Radio - A few thoughts:

2.4 GHz is the way of the future and they seem to be selling like hotcakes. If you are going to buy a new radio, I would strongly suggest one of these.

The Spektrum DX6i, $180 comes with 6 channel transmitter with a nice mix of features that will give you plenty of room to grow. And it can be set up to handle 10 different models by saving their settings. It comes with a receiver that has all the range you could possibly need in this or future planes.

Spektrum also has a nice spread of receivers for your next planes so you can go very small or very large, electric, gas, glow or gliders and they have what you need.

This would be an excellent choice for you.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=SPM6600

Do not buy the older DX6 - outdated and limited

No worrying about frequency control, as you would have on 27 mhz or 72 mhz.