A few other good planes would be;

Hangar 9 - Alpha 40 or 60
40 size http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...450&pc=HAN2450
60 size http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=HAN2725

Hobbieco' Avistar or Super Star, available at Tower Hobbies

I too, am new to the hobby. I am learning on a Hangar 9 Alpha 60 ARF. I recommend an ARF over a RTF because the knowledge of assembling a plane will help you understand a little more about how they work. The process includes installing things like fuel tank, motor mounts, servo's and radio, engine, landing gear and connections to control surfaces (ailerons, rudder, elevator and throttle) to servo's, battery and on and off switch. Plus, you are able to buy components that you want. I purchased an OS .61fx engine and Futaba radio equipment.

I personally like the Alpha trainer. The reason, I liked what I read about the Alpha, it comes with a trainer prop. A 3-blade fairly flat pitch wide blade prop made by Evolution.

The difference is amazing, much slower flight than a 2 blade. The 3-blade trainer prop loads the engine and acts as an air brake. The first flight (with an instructor) we used a regular 2-blade prop. The next time I had installed the trainer prop, wanting to see if there was any difference. My instructor was amazed at the difference in the planes speed. It slows the plane down about half. And the approach speed was really helpful to learn how to land.

The trainer prop’s wide blades act as an air brake. At about 100 feet in altitude on approach, with the 2-blade, when you pull the throttle back it glides in nice but at a much higher speed. With the 3-blade prop at the same 100 feet, when you pull back on the throttle, the nose drops a great deal more, pull back on the elevator and it glides in at a much slower speed.

With the 3-blade Evolution trainer prop (12” slight pitch, 60 size) with idle set at 1500 to 1600 rpm’s, then change only the prop (to a 2-blade 12’ – 6 pitch) the rpm’s climbed to over 2400 rpm’s. Of coarse, you can slow the rpm’s by tuning the engine, but it doesn’t have the same effects of slowing the planes air speed.

I personally feel the trainer prop is a great advantage to a beginner pilot.

One thing though, the crankshaft on the OS engine and the Evolution are different length. With the Evolution trainer prop and the OS engine, I was not able to use the front prop washer and achieve a full nut on the prop using a standard plastic spinner. With a spinner-nut (no plastic spinner backing plate) you can get the washer and plenty of nut to tighten. I personally used the plastic spinner, but checked the prop nut between flights.

You can buy any plane, and purchase the Evolution trainer prop to go on it. But the Evolution Trainer prop is only available through a supplier who carries Evolution engines and I guess who also carries the Hangar 9 Alpha plane. Just be sure to get the right size for your plane, 40 or 60 size. The supplier I purchased my plane and numerous other supplies, including extra trainer props, find the links below;

Supplier http://www.*********.org/ They have both the Alpha 40 and 60 in ARF and RTF

Trainer prop for 60 size http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...prod=EVOE0610P

Trainer prop spinner for 60 size can't find the number, but RC Hobbies has it you can call the 800 number, or the 3-blade spinner from Dubro fits and is better, just more expensive.

Trainer prop for 40 size http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...?prod=EVOE100P

Trainer prop spinner 40 size http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...?prod=EVOE100S


But, one more very important thing, go on-line and find a club around your area. Find an instructor to help you learn. Instructors usually give instructions free. It might take a little longer to fly because of scheduling between you and the instructors time together. But, I can tell you from experience, it will cost you a lot less money and will be much safer.

Go to AMA's web site and look for clubs in your area;
http://www.modelaircraft.org/

Good luck
Flying...It's so cool......