iriskmj,
What a small world. I used to live in Burnsville. I flew power out at the community college east of Apple Valley and gliders down south near Farmington and every slope within an hours drive.

If your husband was planning on buying the buddy's airplane, and you figure your budget to cover only that part of the startup deal........ Then $200 is an ok figure to cover that part of the startup.

Generally, it takes an airplane, and engine for the airplane, and radio equipment. Those are the three expense areas.

It's not really hard to make one big savings right off the bat. Go beyond the RTF and get one of the more ARF ARFs. There is a KYOSHO trainer that's called the CALMATO that sells for right at $105. All that's required to turn it into the state of most RTFs is to glue the two wing halves together and glue the tail on. At that point, it's about in the condition most RTF's are. It'll take an engine that's around $70.

But the guys at Hobby Whse will be able to help with all that. Just keep in mind that RTF isn't the only, and isn't actually the best way to get into the hobby.

Is it snowing yet? chuckle..... Dang I miss that place...... sometimes.