I have both. From an Aerobird Challenger up to a GP Super Sportster gasser, and from that crappy fixed pitch Dragonfly heli up to a T-Rex SE. I like both of them, but I fly the planes much more just because I'm much better with them. IF I start to get bored and am looking for a challenge, I'll take the T-Rex out.

You're right, planes, especially beginner ones, are much more forgiving. Helis without power are essenntially a rock, but they can be saved with autorotations. Helis tend to be more expensive as well. I've spent almost as much onmy T-Rex as I have on my 82" Sportster.

If you've never flown before, don't think you're going to get one model and progress from learning to fly to extreme aerobatics on that one plane. While they ARE easier than helis, they certainly aren't the kind of thing to just go an fly. Start with a high-wing trainer like and Avistar (while will do some aerobatics, but just the basics), and as everyone else said, get a simulator. Real Flight G3 is pretty much the norm, but there is also Reflex and FS-One. Reflex is supposed to be a better sim, but I've heard it's not too easy to set up (including instructions in German). FS-One is just out this month, so it is not as mature or stable as G3. I'm hearing opinions on both sides of the good/bad fence for it.

If you're not sure you're going to like flying, don't go overboard on your first model. Buy a foamie electric RTF that won't set you back more than a couple hundred bucks to test the waters.