I like my Hobbico Avistar 40 Select. For $300 at most retail and online sellers, you get a nice trainer, with OS .40LA engine and a Futaba 4-channel radio. With a semi-symmetrical wing, it allows a beginner to progress into light aerobatics while retaining stable flying characteristics.

Link to Tower Hobbies: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXMU53**&P=0

Link to Hobbico:
http://www.hobbico.com/airplanes/hcaa16.html