I couldn't agree more with all that Altacon has to say on the subject regarding Tx and Rx of 27 Mhz vs 72 Mhz...there is no question that 72 Mhz FM is the best. If you are totally sure that you WILL learn to fly and are financially ready to front several hundred dollars for a good, basic system, by all means do so. However if there is any doubt in your mind that you may not stick with the hobby... stay with the less expensive planes. Consider them " throw away learning experiences". On that note, may I suggest the Firebird Scout from HobbyZone. It runs a 27 Mhz system but the range (from experience) seems adaquate and for under $60 you get a remarkably good flyer from a quality company that stands behind their products. True, you won't be able to get to the electronics without destroying the fuselage but remember this is a "throw away" plane used to see if you really enjoy and want to stay with the hobby....and it's a pretty tough plane. There is a thread on the site regarding this plane.

Of course Matt is right also that the plane doesn't have to be beautiful to fly right. Stick and wings fly just as good (for the beginner) as a fancy plane...sometimes better. GWS has several ARF's for around $11-30 that you could put that 72 Mhz equipment in should you desire. Of course there is minor assembly required, but that's all part of the fun.

I remember my first RC system. A 27Mhz, single TUBE, single channel, regenerative TX and RX that I had to build from a kit. The batteries required made it too heavy for any planes at the time, so I put it in a boat. It only had a range of about 100 feet anyway. My, my. Haven't RC systems come a long way since 1948?

Bob