There are four components in flying RC.

1. The airplane
2. The motor or engine.
3. The radio system
4. Field accessories

No matter what you do, you will need all of the above. The airplane, well, it can cost anywhere from $30.00 for a small electric to $150.00 for a good quality ARTF (almost ready to fly or simply ARF) trainer. Tower Hobbies has a great trainer, in ARF form, for about $70.00 go to http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXCAS2&P=ML and you will see it.

You will need a motor or engine. Electric motor of glow fuel engine. For the Tower, their Tower Hobbies .46 Glow is another $80.00. Go to http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJA86&P=M to see this engine. This is a good quality inexpensive engine. We have sevral in our club and they all run great.

The radio is totally up to you, however, you can use the radio with some of the simulators, G3 I believe you can get with or without the controller, however, the controller that comes with the simulator is NOT a transmitter, it is wired to the computer for control via the USB port. However, most typical radio's have trainer capabilities (buddy box) that will connect to the G3 via an adapter. So, you can get double duty out of the transmitter. Basic radio systems, one model, no computer control, Tower has a Futaba entry level radio for $119 with a $5.00 rebate. http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEFJ4**&P=M to see this radio.

Field accessories are totally up to you. Electric start or chicken stick, a glow driver, some tools, spare glow plug, propellor and at least one spare, rubber bands (to hold the wing to the fuselage.. normal operation for high-wing trainers and even for more advanced aircraft) and fuel are the basic requirements for flying RC.

All of the above are for fuel or glow trainers.

Electric will require the plane, motor, speed controller, battery, charger, and a radio system. However, these models are quite a bit smaller than their glow counterparts and, although are suitable for trainers, are somewhat tough to fly compared to the larter sized trainers.

Go to your local hobby shop or to the local RC club and talk to the people there to see what they recommend, what they are using. You may also be able to use a club trainer aircraft. Some clubs have them, complete with radio. You buy the fuel and the plane is there ready for you to train with.

Also consider the cost of the AMA, required at most fields, and if they will charge you membership (depends on your age). Youth students at our field fly for free, but MUST have AMA membership.

Best of luck.

DS.