Swimman didn't specify what kind of planes he was planning to fly so I provided packages that would serve small electrics/parkflyers, up to about .25 glow planes or up to about 2M sailplanes. The radios listed are packaged with smaller components but all are available with larger components. The radio would be the same, only the size of the servos and receiver would change.

The myth of the eternal radio is that you can buy one you won't outgrow. If that happens either you spent a bundle on your first radio, or you are not advancing and expanding. Not a bad thing, but many people will constantly expand their type of flying and/or the size of their fleet.

Here is how my radios have come and gone.

My first radio was a 27mhz 3 Ch that came with an RTF. I still fly that plane with that radio. It lives in my car!

May second radio was a 72 mhz AM 3 channel used for a RTF Spirit Select sailplane.

My third radio was a Hitec Prism 7X computuer radio that I bought used. I got a great deal on it with an 8 channel receiver. But it only had three model memories and I overran that very fast.

Now my main radio is a Futaba 9C, 9 channel radio with unlimited model memories via removeable cards, one of the reason I bought it. I also wanted programming for 4 wing servos and the ability to assign functions to switches. Finally I wanted a good combo of mixes for my full house sailplanes in addition to my parkflyers.

I now have 10 models in the Futaba, three in the Prism and still use the 27 mhz radio. I have been flying for only 3 years.

I gave away the 3 channel AM radio to a friend to help his son get started. I later picked up a used 3 channel FM model that I use as a travel radio with a discus launched glider or a small electric.

Net Net - You can spend a lot for a very capeable radio like the Futaba 9C which costs about $300 for the radio alone, or you can buy a less expensive radio radio with the understanding that you might, some day, outgrow it. Not a terrible thing really.

If you have the bucks get the 9C or a JR 9303, or a Multiplex Royal EVO or an Airtronics Stylus and you will likely not need another unless you over run the model memories. Or you can go for an entry level computer radio, program in 4-6 plane, enjoy it for a couple of years, then go for the "bigger" bucks on the more advanced radio when you REALLY know what you want or need it. Keep the first radio for your less complex planes, as a travel radio, as a back-up, as a buddy box, or to use on your flight sim. Nothing goes to waste.

When I started flying I had no intention of flying sailplanes or slope gliders. Boy did that change in my second year. Now I fly these more than I fly my electrics.

I haven't flown glow planes and have no plans to ever do so, but who knows, that could change some day. The 9C will handle glow planes just fine.

I haven't flown any Helis yet, but the 9C can handle that too.