Back in the early 80's I started with a cessna 182 foam. It flew but had a bad tip stall until I got the balance right. Then it flew well. DO NOT fear 4 channels. My trainer was a 3 channel and when I got a 4 channel I was shocked at how much easier it was to fly than the 3 channel. Just rememer to fly the wing tips and the nose. Do not try to fly the control box. I am teaching students that think they can learn the feel of the box. KEEP your eye on the wings. They must be level unless you intend to turn. If one gets high apply stick and get it level. If the nose is to high or begins to sort of shake it's about to stall. Keep the plane almost level on landings. FIRST download FMS, it's a free simulator and it works well. You can buy a controller for 20 bucks. Learn to fly on the simulator and go straight to a good stable 4 channel plane. To learn how to fly you must use the simulator daily. One hour several times a day and before you go to bed at night. When a plane is coming toward you, push the stick toward the low wing, Keep them level until the plane is past you. Then make turns. Learn to land with the plane coming toward you. I have heard good things about the Super Cub but not flown one. I have a wing dragon that is 3 channel and I like it but it's underpowered, most foamy's are unless they have a brushless motor. Some people like the 4 channel Wing Dragon but the radio is cheap and I think the plane is over priced at 120 bucks, at 100 I would go for it. If so you need to buy new servo's when you buy the plane. Both of mine failed within two weeks. Read forums to find out how a plane flies. Often a beginner rates one badly when an experienced pilot gives one a better rating. If a guy flies Nitro and does not like electric does not make him an expert. If one likes exlectric and hates nitro does not make him an expert. Read, and decide for yourself. One word of caution, in my opinioin the ACT on HZ planes is not a good idea but rather a good sales gimmic. On mine I cut the wires and tape them up as soon as I get a new plane. I do buy the Phantoms. Also I love electrics. I flew Nitro for years and the difference in problems and simplicity is unreal. I do not plan on going back to nitro but YES they are good planes. Balsa breaks and takes a lot longer to repair than foam. Coverings are expensive and you end up buying lots of that to make repairs. I left balsa planes behind and do not plan on going back. EPP or EPO foam glues right up and you go back to flying the same day. I just bought a Cessna 747 for $99.34 delevered. Do not know how well it flies but will let you know when it arrives. Yes it's foam. Never allow anyone intimidate you with the word "toy" plane. All planes that fly are either toys or real. Just talk to the owner. I love to fly often and keep a couple of 2 channel 30 dollar Aero Hoggs Bi planes from wallyworld. I have enticed lot of people into the hobby flying them. Great for kids. Often while my wife shops I fly one of them in the parkng lot using street light. I can land in my hat much of the time. Good flying is flying the wing. There are old and bold pilots and I am old. There is no need to do a lot of stunts to amaze non fliers..Yes I like a hot plane too and enjoy flying hot as much as the next guy, but I also like slow, easy, lazy circles. A cheap Aero Hoggs goes with me all time and often I carry a HZ Phantom (it should NOT be considered A TRAINER). It is a 3 channel but it is fast. I think it's more tricky to fly than some 4 channels. Sadly, it's sold as a trainer which supposedly eleminates a need for an instructor. I feel sorry for the kid that buys one thinking he is going straight out and be successful. The law of business is, the seller often needs your business and often DOES NOT know much about the plane. Often he tells you what he was told which may or may not be good advice. Experience is the best way to learn and a cheap plane can be a good plane. I can't see why anyone would not want a HZSC unless the price has gotten to high. Someone told me the servo's may be 5 wire instead of 3 and that could be a problem later down the road. CHECK that OUT it's hear say. I think the best advice may be from old guys who have nothing to gain by tellng you their opinion. GET a 4 channel..IF you fly the simulaotr FIRST and have someone who is GOOD to go out with you for the first few times. ALWAYS CHECK your Transmitter box. CHECK the trim tabs, check the directions of movements. Even experienced fliers have gotten flight controlls hooked in reverse. You dont want to give it right stick only to see it bank left. Then nervously apply MORE right only to suddenly be upside down. More right stick and you finally get the top on top. Do not make any turns just glide down and learn the alierons are backwards. YES< in about 1983. You NEVER forget those lessons. Any flier coming into the hobby is going to make mistakes. That is how we learn. Go fly. fear not, crash and rejoice, for you are NOW leaning the right way. Get what you want, you CAN learn to fly, pray for help and hope to meet the right people. LET them help you. LISTEN and take the advice from pilots YOU KNOW for sure can fly. Watch them fly before you ask. that is about as good as I can give. Hope it helps..