Get yourself an AirHogs AeroAce. It's only 2-channel and you won't be able to reuse any of the components, but it costs only $30, is very easy to learn, is an absolute blast to fly, is virtually indestructable, and doesn't need much room ( a gym is plenty of room, so your yard is more than adequate). Once you get used to flying, you can better select a "real" plane that will suit your needs.

You can get the AeroAce at Toys-R-Us, Target, etc.