EXCELLENT advice regarding the space needed to fly. The more flat open space the better. You can land a plane from a great distance away if you have no obstructions, and can at least see the aircraft. Beginers often have a brain meltdown that alows the plane to fly further away than they planned. if you have a big enough area you can power back and let it settle in for a landing. I've even saved my more advanced sailplanes this way, flying far away to chase thermals and not making it all the way back. I've even had them go out of site, but had them trimmed out to fly straight and slow enough to limit or avoid damage.

I wish I would have seen your (aeajr) aircraft data a couple of weeks ago. I ended up buying a Eflight Cessna for my dad. It has been easy to assemble, and I believe the right second airplane for him. Although we won't fly it until Christmas day, I would NOT recommend it for a first plane. It is too scale, the landing gear is too fragile, and most importantly the wing is not "beginner like" , having ailerons, and a slightly more advanced airfoil.

In the very near future, with the advances in electric flight, I would expect great advances in trainers. I would love to see a .60 size trainer, with a brushless motor, and lithium power in a RTF. Even four channel park flyers, RTF, with standard radio gear installed. (By standard I mean hobby class equipment, that is compatible with equipment you can purchase at any hobby shop), Even complete with a four channel digital radio (always get a digital, it will save you tons of money.)[8D]