Welcome to the world of RC, fellow Iowan, well, at least I lived in Iowa for 14 years. A couple of things that I did early on that I'm GLAD I did was: buy a 6 channel computer radio, and to NOT buy the cheapest engine out there. If you plan on getting more planes you'll need the model memory of a computer radio, and dual rates come in handy, too. Also, you may want retracts and other fun things later which will take another channel. About the engine - I bought one with some plastic parts on it which I quickly got frustrated with and gave it away. So my opinion is to get an O.S. FX or Thunder Tiger PRO, and not a cheap one. You can always take it out of your trainer and put it in your second plane.