I suppose it might work if the experience of building it was part of your goal but I wouldn't recommend it and here's why.... It is a free flight or control line plane so converting it to RC, while not impossible by any means, will take a little modification. Even then it may or may not fly well due to certain design issues that may be present (can't say for certain on this particular plane). It also doesn't appear to be intended as an RC trainer and likely doesn't possess any of the beneficial trainer characteristics. Considering all that, I'd save it for a later project after learning to fly and getting a little building experience.

Based on the needs you mentioned, I would recommend a ready to fly package such as the Hobbyzone Super Cub or even their Mini Super Cub. They'd be a good fit for the flying area you described. Then as you get comfortable and advance you could look into building something. Even then, I'd do something like one of the Herr kits for a first build. Most are small, some are made specifically for electric power and others can be converted. After that, then consider doing the control line to RC conversion.

Super Cubs: www.hobbyzone.com
Review: http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...rticle_id=1003
Herr kits: www.sigmfg.com