Okay here's my 2¢. I was in the hobby years ago and flew a .25 size gas plane. I crashed two planes in short order. (One due to a glitch one actually with an instructor). So I deemed the hobby too expensive and got out.

I recently got the itch to fly again. I convinced myself the best way was to buy one of the Aerobird style planes, a Scout to be exact. Well, they are durable and take a beating. Even helping you learn W/O an instructor.

Now for the negatives. The Aerobirds are fine for general park flying and spur of the moment fun. However they don't handle wind well at all due to both weight and design. This style of plane doesn't fly at all like a traditional airplane. You gain altitude by increasing the throttle, there are no elevators. The v-tail works like a combination of rudder and elevator as far as turning.

That being said, if you want to move on to traditional style planes later on, you really don't gain any perspective outside of speed and orientation. The minute skills of flying are missed.

As far as the other planes above, well again it is a size/weight versus the wind issue. So be prepared to wait for perfect weather.

If you only want the basic fly on a whim (wind permitting) the aerobirds would be my advice.

If you want to fly traditional aileron, elevator and rudder planes, save some more cash and try to get into a better setup. Don't forget if you know the plane you want you can always buy the elements as you can afford them. Heck, I'm going to have to save for four months to get the setup I want. (Oddly that means I could have the plane under my Christmas tree!)

Further on training; I know a lot of clubs have prices that range from $60-125 a year, plus a one-time initiation fee. Ouch for the budget flyer. However most clubs will let you pro-rate your fees. If that plan doesn't work out you can often find someone who will help teach you for free.