I agree with Matt, although the Xtreme probably isn't a beginner plane. I am new to RC planes and have an Aerobird Challenger the first field I went to looked like it was pretty size, but as a beginner with no help trying to trim a new plane I was at the end of the field before I knew it. I don't think there are to may planes that a beginner can fly in a back yard. I found a really large field and have had no problems flying my Challenger there. I land in a field, so I leave the landing gear off the plane and belly land it.