Hi Capone.

You'll get different opinions on which trainer to get and whether to go with electric vs. glow. I'll try to be as objective as possible;

First, there are basically two ways to go; You can try to learn somewhere all by your self in a park or school yard on a relatively inexpensive RTF (ready to fly) electric plane. In this case, the investment and commitment is relatively small. If you don't like it or don't have success you can just walk away without having spent too much. You may have success, or you may crash a few learning on your own, but it can be done.

But usually, the best way, if possible, is to join an R/C club that gives flying lessons (sounds like that's the path you've already decided to take). This usually takes more of a commitment because of the Club dues, AMA dues, and the nature of the plane they will probably tell you to buy. But if you stay patient and get good instruction, it might seem like it's taking a long time, but you'll be a better pilot in less time than trying by your self. In a club situation, you'll also be exposed to much more R/C "activity" just by watching the other guys and seeing their models. If you learn in a park all by your self, you'll be...all by your self.

If you join a club, just about any high-wing airplane designated as a "trainer" should be fine. Visit the club and talk to the guys you might be taking flying lessons from. They will probably feel more comfortable teaching you on whatever plane they prefer/recommend and the learning process will probably be easier. Most of the time, clubs teach new pilots on .40 cu. in. glow-powered trainers (wing span usually around 70").

Electric is great, but there's a few added elements such as the cost of batteries, chargers, and power supplies. There's also the time waiting for batteries to charge between flights. If you purchase enough batteries so you can show up at the field with all of them charged so you don't have to charge them at the field, you may have a small fortune just in batteries because they are expensive. The nice thing about electric is, of course, it's quite and clean, but initially all the extra components I just mentioned can add a few more hundred dollars to the investment. The other problem with electric can be the flight time. Most electric trainers fly for around six, MAYBE eight minutes, but with glow-powered planes you'll get at least 10 - 14 minute flights. This gives you much more air time to learn. Personally, I would recommend a glow-powered plane. By the time you have soloed and can fly all on your own, you'll be much more knowledgeable about what is available and will be able to make a better decision about what kind of electric plane to get next.

Visit your club, talk to the instructors and listen to what they say.

And good luck!

Tim