I know the temptation to pick a model that you find appealing by its looks and sound but don't do it yet. Also, as mentioned above, be sure to "calibrate" your controller to your pc. (You only have to do it once.)

On my G4 I've found the NexStar to be a very realistic trainer. Also, use the View to look at the windsock and set approximately 7 kts wind directly down the runway. I find the Sod Field a good learning field. You can use the PageUp & PageDown buttons to set the wind speed and the Home and End keys to set the direction. Once set, switch the view back to your plane.

Takeoff and land into the wind. At 5 - 7kts the plane is not being knocked around but it will slow things down on the landing very nicely but not create too much havoc in the air.

Practice flying around s m o o t h l y and keeping the model close enough to you that you can see what its doing. Slow it down to approximately half-throttle and get used to gently cruising.

The reason for this is you need to be able to establish predictable flight path and glide when you land. Believe it or not, a good landing starts BEFORE you turn on Final Approach. If you wait to straighten things up to just before touchdown you're asking for trouble. Later it will seem much more comfortable but the truth is landings are a challenge. Same in the real stuff too.

You will find them fun for that very reason after a while and will change the wind conditions to make it even more difficult as well as discover at what point you shouldn't even bother taking a model plane up. Even real aircraft have crosswind limits that will keep them grounded and its one of the reasons commercial airports have runways running different directions.

Lastly, when you get frustrated just put it down and walk away. Believe me please. One day soon its all going to just "click" and the fun will start.

Regards,

Clay