okay phil, first somethings to think about.
electrics run out of electricity and do fly away. i'm not sure what you mean by they don't but they definitely do! just about a month ago i buddy boxed a brand new flyer, who by the way was very cute, on my EZStar and she flew it a little farther away than i could see and i literally ran after the plane. luckily i was able to bring the plane back. electrics are just as good at running away. but they do run out of steam more linearly so you can tell when they are running out of juice. but most people time their runs.

i am glad that you're kind of giving up scale for now.

okay... so now the advice.

1. if a flying field is close to you, go to the local flying club and see them fly. ask them if there is someone that is offering to take up prospective pilots on a flight. ask for their opinion on what they think.

2. decide if you want to join the AMA or the local flying club.

if you join, there will be fees, AMA and club fees that differ but may cost you. what you will get is a place to fly safely, free advice from clubmembers, use of some tools provided you are nice and a lot of bigger brothers and sisters. oh yeah, and insurance. since you have big stick that can fly, take the engine, radio gear out and put it into a trainer like a world models skyraider or, if you want it to be more acrobatic, a hobbico avistar. Although this might be a little more than you originally anticipated, it is the best path to go if you really want to join the hobby. flying is so much more fun with friends.

if you plan to continue only flying in the park - i would really suggest the EZstar because it is very safe. however, it does require a lot of room (it's a big plane) and it's never recommended to fly around people. since you have the radio the EZstar is $60 and with ESC around $30 and batteries around $25 you should be okay on $150 provided you have the charging equipment already. if not, $150 will be pushing it.

second option would be the hitec skyscooter but costs will be around the same.

if you don't have the space in park - you could go with something like the GWS Estarter, which will be like $40 and looks scale. only problem is that you will have to buy new servos. your standard servos will be too heavy. with servos running $14 a pop and 20AMP esc at $30, batteries at $20 (9.6v 1100mah nimh) you will be looking at $118 with one battery and $138 with two, which isn't bad.

the firebird outlaw is not anything like a real 3 or 4 channel plane because it uses differential thrust for turning and throttle for going up and down. real 3 or 4o channel planes use moving surfaces much like your dad's big stick. these are VERY DIFFERENT. a real plane is far more responsive to your input so if you turn the sticks too much the planes will go all over the place. i believe that your firebird will not ever get out of control. so please be very careful taking it up and i really really recommend the local flying site visit.

the things you've learned in the outlaw is that you should be good at left right orientation... but that's not enough... the skills you need to pilot a real planes

1. up down orientation
2. roll left roll right orientation
3. throttle control - i don't mean on or off. i mean using controlling the throttle
4. proportional control - using each control surface proportionally not full left or full right, full up or full down.
5. trimming

i wish i could be there in West Henrietta to give you some lessons but i'm sure there are nice people there willing to teach you as well. one quick way is to go down to the local hobby store (not toy store) to ask around. best of luck and keep us informed!!!