RE: "Quest for the First Bird" or "What Have I Gotten Myself Into?"
I strongly suggest that first you join a flying club. They will teach you how to fly first of all. Second, get your self a sig Kadet Sr, ARF and put it together. third get your self a inexpensive raido from Hi-tech or JR. with 4 channels.
this is all you need. the Kadet Sr is a very good trainer and easy to fly. But reguardless what you by GET INTO A CLUB. AND GET SOME HELP.
If there are no clubs close, then start with the Aero Bird and learn the basics of flying raido contol.
The only thing I have against these planes (Aero-birds and etc.) is that the
raido that comes with them can be used only with that plane and nothing else.
But for the cost you can have a lot of fun learning on your on then jump into gas.
DON'T EVER JUMP INTO A GAS PLANE WITH OUT SOME HELP FIRST.