I've been flying for about 13 years, and I'm an instructor at the River City Radio Controllers field in Louisville KY. I learned to fly on a Goldberg Eagle 63. The current version is called the Eagle 2. I recommend this plane because it looks good, is easy to build, and it comes out light. The light weight allows it to fly and land nice and slow. Another good kit is the Midwest Aerostar 40. It's a little heavier, but seems to be a little more sturdy too.

If you would rather go with an ARF, Tower Hobbies makes several versions. If you have never flown before I would stay away from the Avistar. It's got a semi-symetrical wing which makes it a little more zippy than the flat-bottom wing trainers.

If you can afford it, get a .60 size plane instead of a .40. They are easier to see and the wind doesn't effect them as much.

Actually the plane you get doesn't really make a HUGE difference; most trainers fly about the same (give or take a few MPH), but try to spend a little more on the ENGINE! Get a ball-bearing engine instead of a bushing one, get one with a twin-needle carb instead of an air-bleed carb. It's really true that you get what you pay for. So many times I've spent hours at the field trying to get a student's engine running right. The OS engines seem to be the easiest to get set up; also the Magnum and Thunder Tiger run well too.

It's important to have an experienced flyer help you learn. Ask at your local hobby shop where the nearest club is, or check the AMA web site. Talk to the folks at the club field. I'm sure they'll be happy to get you started. Good Luck!