I started flying 1/2 A airplanes. They are two channel planes with a Cox .049 or .051 engine. They are small, usually about 22oz or less and have no wheels. You hand launch them, fly until out of fuel and then glide them in and land on the belly. They are cheap, fly well and you don't need to line up with a runway to land. You DO land them into the wind. And a Cox TD .051 revs about 20k, so the performance of these small birds can be very good. They don't drink much fuel, but they do require the higher nitro fuel. They don't seem that popular nowadays, but I believe it is because people generally have more money now. But for a youth with good eyesight and a small wallet, these good be a good option.