Yes, definitely by your first equipment new, and by a complete package with transmitter, reciever, servos, and battery packs. The added assurance that your radio equipment is in top notch condition is worth its weight in gold, especially to a beginner who is just getting their plane in the air for the first time. You will have enough running through your mind without worrying whether or not your radio equipment is going to work right or not. If you purchase a good quality radio with multi model memory (I think most of the computer radios have that now, even the entry level ones), all you will have to do later on is buy a flight pack with reciever and servos for you next plane. As far as used equipment goes, I stay away from used transmitters and recievers, but I will occasionally pick up used servos. A servo is a bit easier to check out and see if it is in good condition than a transmitter or reciever. But, with this being your first radio gear, I would definitely buy new.