The best thing about this thread is finding out that young folks are still getting involved in the hobby. I'll be 31 in October.

As far as a good beginner plane...hmmmm

First off, do you have any flying experience? If not, your going to be in for a difficult(and costly) learning curve if you try to learn on a 3D capable airplane. If you've never flown RC before, I would suggest getting a trainer first before rushing into 3D flight. Something along the lines of a Aerobird Xtreme or something.

If youve got some experience, and already have the basics down.

Are you planning on outdoor 3D flying or indoor 3D flying?

For indoors, there are a couple of good choices.

IFO - Odd looking flying saucer plane, but it's capable of basic 3D and hovering, and is almost indestructable. Its even got a maneuver that its capable of that I've never seen anything else do called a "falling leaf"

Shockflyers - These planes are fragile, but they are by far the best flying indoor planes. If you build it right, it can be a real easy plane to fly, and capable of any maneuver you can dream up. You need to have some good basic skills before tackling one of these. If youve got basic flight skills you should be able to handle it.

Slick from www.M.A.E.com - This is a robust 6mm foam plane. Ive not personally flown it, but it looks REALLY durable, and flys good too. Steve Rojecki has one, and Ive seen him fly it a couple of times. Performance is simular to a shockflyer, but its 6mm foam construction is FAR more durable.

Outdoor. Download plans for whatever you like from 3dfoamy.com then build it out of good 6mm depron. Id recommend the 3DX.