i dont think a hornet is a good heli to start with. it's a bit small, fragile, and probably way too powerful (with 'recommended' equipment) for your skill level. a tail boom costs like $25 and i heard it has enough power to snap itself in half if you get on the collective/throtle stick too hard.

you want to start with the biggest heli possible for stability. that being said, bigger heli are typically much more expensive and that is Especially true with electric heli.

the align Trex 450XL or ARK x400 are excellent 1st heli in the micro-mini class and also the largest. Actual kit cost is similar or cheaper than a hornet, repair costs are probably one of the lowest for a CP heli, theyre proven over and over, and use the same servos, radio, and receiver as the hornet. the only area you will pay more for are the ESC/BEC*.

to buy the good stuff to start, is to save yourself money in the Longrun - if you ever do make it past the first hoops you will replace it all with this stuff anyway.

Tx/Rx - Futaba 7CHP TX + R146iP, JR 6102 Tx + R770S, or Spectrum DX6 (s75 servos are almost useless IMO) [200-250 retail]

servos - 4x hitec HS56 or 65. these arent cheap, but i personally dont trust the standard nylon gears anymore. [20-25 retail]

Battery - Apex 2200 15C MK3 lipo [50 retail] really good cheap lipo for half the price of a thunderpower. if the 3d pros run these itll work for me.

ESC - Align 25/35 + governor, phoenix 25/35, kontronik*bling [50-170]

Motor - AON3500, Astro803, Neu1105/7, Align430, JGF450th/F, etc [<90]

Gyro - Futaba Gy240/401 [120ish retail]