Sticky at top of page to check out.

I've tought a few people to fly now, and honestly there's 2 routes to go. 1st is to do it thoroughly and join a club and get an instructor. You can work with him/her from there. Sig LT40 as recommended is a good plane.

The second way is self taught. This is how I learned and have helped a few others start. I love it because you can work at your own pace. I learned on a Hobbyzone SkyFly electric (~$100 ready to fly) but all others I've helped learn using a Hobbyzone Super Cub. It's extremely durable (foam) so you can crash, 15 minute glue job and be flying again! With a balsa trainer you're hooped if it's bad, but it will teach you the fundamentals of a plane!

The super cub can be had RTF for around $150. A great way to learn! You can fly them in parks but I wouldn't recommend as you're liable. Go outside the city and have a blast.

The other best thing you can do is buy a simulator like RealFlight. Even though the price seems steep, it is 100% worth it. You will use it forever and can download planes to fly before you buy! Not to mention the simulator will probably pay for itself 2-3 times over in the number of planes you wont crash because of the practice.

Edit: sorry i didn't see your "not into electric" clause. My bad. Just an option that keeps the cost down for learning as everyone will eventually crash their first plane!


Hope this helps!
Eganwp