I can't agree with Sooner Ace about the restraints for the plane. When I started I had a fancy setup that had a foot pedal to release it that cost me $50 at a swap meet. I didn't want to pay that much to replace it, so I use a rope and a tent stake. It works just as well (if not better) and only cost about $1, so you won't cry if it gets left at the flying field by mistake.

Since we're on the topic of purchasing stuff you will need, there are a lot of items that you can pay for from a hobby shop or an online supply house (i.e. Tower Hobbies) but you can find cheaper if you look for them. For instance, a chicken stick. You can pay for one, or do like did and cut of a bit of old broomstick and wrap some electrical tape around. I've been using it for 9 years now, and when the tape gets cup up I just peel it off and put some more on. Another item is a neck strap. You can find them online or at a LHS for anywhere from $5.99 and up. I picked up a saxophone strap at a local music shop and it only cost me $1.99. A couple of bucks doesn't seem like a lot, but if you add up everything a new person buys a few bucks here and there sure adds up in a hurry.

Hope this helps.

Ken