If you've never flown before, get a trainer -- preferably one with a simulator included. Spend ALOT of time on the simulator before you go to the field. It's ok to crash on the computer (again and again), not so fun when you're at the field with a real plane. The Hobicco Nextstar might be a good choice. Easy to learn on, comes with a decent engine (OS .46 FXi) that can be reused when you're ready to move in to a more aggressive plane.

Get with a club, join, and get good instruction. Stay on a buddy box as long as you can. You can't park a plane in the middle of flight. It's a different world and a lot of fun.

See this link for an explanation of flight characteristics -- http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/aero/fltmidcont.htm