Read the "Looking for a trainer, what's available. (Updated 02-20-2008)" post. It' s the very first thread.

I suggest that you buy a trainer from Tower Hobbies. It is always good to support your local hobby shops, but this is where I started and I am glad that I did. They offer what are called "RTF" or ready to fly planes. You can also get these from you LHS as well. These planes come with everything you need pre-installed. That is, the engine and all of the radio equipment. All you need to do is join the wings, which does not require glue. The three trainers that I suggest are:

Tower Hobbies 40 trainer: $259
Hobbico Avistar: $279
Hobbico Nexstar: $379- Flight simulator software comes with this plane, so if you have ZERO experience with RC planes, then I suggest that you learn orientation etc. on a simulator. Of course, this is not a substitute for a qualified pilot. The people at your local flying field will be more than happy to help you out.

To make these planes more affordable, you can even order them with 3 easy payments. One payment is billed to the card you register every month. I believe the tower trainer is three payments of 83 dollars.

In any event good luck! Check out: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=ACB