Everyone is right on here. Probably the most important thing mentioned was to get someone to "take you under their wing". This person can answer all of your questions. They can also help you build your plane and get it in the air. My father-in-law bought me my first plane which was a trainer and a kit. The whole time I was building it, I kept asking "how hard can this be, it is just 4 channels". He would shake his head, grin and say "you'll see". Well, he was right. As mentioned above, the worst case is you get it up, point it at the pits and lose control. The posts here in the beginners section will be very helpful to get you going until you find somone local to help. As for all of the extra "stuff", go to towerhobbies.com for starters.

If I can answer any questions for you, PM or EM me and I can send you my phone number. This can be a great hobby, make sure to get started the right way so you do not get discouraged and give it up.