That's what I got, the ARF version tho. I have a .46 LA on it, more then enough power for that plane. All the instructors at my club said it's a great trainer and several members learned on it. I'm actually on my second flight with this plane with no buddy box, I just pass the radio to the instructor (Because I have a JR and they all have Futaba's), which I never do except for takeoff's and landing. Very stable bird, it floats and doesn't want to land :-)


Anyways, I recommend that you check out your local club and see what they use for radios, this way you wont have any trouble finding a instructor to buddy box with...
I also recommend that you get some practice on the various sims out there, FMS, RC Plane Master and G2 Realflight to name a few...
And finally, read this site everyday, you will be amazed on how much you can actually learn here, just by reading other people's problems and their solutions...

And just in case you are thinking about it, don't try this by yourself, I crashed 2 planes thinking I could learn... It's way more fun going to a club and socialize with the other members about anything, not just the hobby.

Happy flying!