Only thing different on the airplane two-stroke engines is that you do NOT tune for max RPM on the ground. The prop unloading in moving air tends to cause the engine to lean out a bit once airborne. After reaching max rpm, back off the high speed needle until there is a noticeable audible rpm drop. 300 rpm from max is the norm. In other words, just slightly rich of perfect. A little too rich wont hurt anything except fuel mileage. Obviously, the idle transition is much more critical. You need to be able to sustain an idle for at least 30 seconds without the engine loading or dieing.

While you are considering how deep to jump in, I would visit every field in your area and find the one that best suits you. Ideally, you would find a club that welcomes newcomers, has a club trainer and instructors ready to let you take swing at it with you are on the buddy box. I feel you should meet your instructor to be, before laying out cash on a plane and radio system that may not be compatible with his.

My club has beginner Mondays during the summer months. Anyone can show up and fly the club trainer planes. Follow this link to search for AMA clubs in your area. http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx