Check out your LHS. When I was learning, this is where I picked up information. In fact, my questions were very much the same as yours. Been at it 15 years now, and still going strong. Also, make sure you have an instructor. This is critical, or you'll end up with a lawn dart! GRIN The Futaba 6xas is a great radio for the money. I have one myself. The trainer plane I learned on was a Midwest Aerostar. A very nice airplane to learn on. I built mine, as ARF's were garbage back then! Took me forever it seemed like, but was worth it. The Arf's today are much different than what was available 15 years ago. There's several good ones to choose from. Make sure it has a repaiable covering Like Monokote, or Ultracote, not the other cheap stuff. In my opinion this is critical, because you will bang up your trainer some. Good luck!

Doug