You made a good decision there... above selecting a plane and learning to fly, joining and AMA club is the most important thing you can do. Period. Knowledgeable people, great facilities, and FREE training make it more than worth the initial expense (not that much, anyway).

I started out on my own with the parkflyers, and let me tell you, I ended up spending more on parts/replacement planes than doing it the right way and getting a REAL trainer and instruction at the local club. After crashing my fomie cub more than I want to say, I purchased a Nexstar trainer and joined the local club and haven't looked back. I'm 18, my father joined with me, and my 12 year old brother will do his solo flight in a week or so.

Being that you want to stay in the $200 range, I would also recommend [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCXF4**&P=ML]the Tower Trainer 40[/link]. I got a friend started with that plane, and it flies great!

Good luck!!