Hi,

I to decided to add to my fleet last fall, except opposite of you im an airplane guy who bought a raptor 50, they are a blast to fly, so addicting and fun! As for advice, you are correct that orientation, knowing the schematics such as servos, radio gear, etc... will all be very helpful. One thing i found tho when i first started was no matter how much flight time i had on realflight for a heli, it would help me a little once i got to the field, but only a bit, practice, and flying the socks out of the thing is the only way to learn.

I'd highly recommend having one of the training r/c airplane guys at a local r/c club help you out with your plane when you first start out. they can go over your plane and inspect it, make sure its airworthy, and make sure all the controls are right, and its rdy to go, then let them take it up and fly it around to make sure the controls are trimmed right, and truely airworthy for you to fly . After completing that, this parts optional.....but id highly recommend/suggest to train with that pilot and use a buddy box. this way if you run into troubles while flying they can take over. Also having them to help you along the way, provide guidance, and instructions on manuevers/skills youll need to develop before you can solo. All of which will be very helpful for you to be a successful r/c airplane pilot.

As for a plane, there are many options, RCKen has a great list put together of trainers at this link: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm
The Telemasters would be great trainers. I learned on the Avistar 40ARF, so im biased haha Also are u interested in glow powered or electric trainers? There are pro's and con's to both sides. Hope this helps some, and im sure more members will post their ideas and thoughts as well.

-David