The easiest way to get a plane in the air is to buy an ARF trainer. The RCM .40 size trainer is one of the better choices. Strong, light, larger than average. There's also the Duraplanes... a bit heavy but able to take quite a beating and then fly again with no repairs needed. (most times...)

The cheapest, easiest to build plane would be found at www.spad.org its a free donload of the plans print them direct fromn the website) and then assemble the plane from corrogated plastic sign material and PVC gutter downspout plus a couple of 50 cent yardsticks from Lowes. Takes one afternoon if you've built anything before... 2 if you haven't. (lightly sand the coroplast with 200 - 400 grit, don't use the propane torch to "flash" it It sticks better and its less likely to melt the plastic.) These planes can be virtually indestructable, they are CHEAP to build. ($some people sell built ones for $25 each... ready for radio and engine.)

The best beginning builder's Kit trainers are the Great Planes PT-40, the Tower Trainer, and the Sig LT-40. Each is fairly easy to build, and hard to make a mistake which will cause it to not fly. Sturdy aircraft too. They fly well, ad wil usually last long enough to be resold to another beginner. (and another... might last through 5 or 6 trainees if not crunched straight in.)