The best advice you can get is to go out and purchase for yourself for $39 a buddy box that will work with your transmitter - this [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=JSP98140]one[/link].

Join the local club and have some experienced trainers trim out your Alpha (it should be very close but be careful that the tail section bolts are tight and there isn't any wiggle) and take you up with your own plane on the buddy box.

The club will most likely have their own buddy boxes but having your own will always be more convenient, plus whenever you get a new plane you'll be able to have someone you trust take it up with you the first time.

If you can afford it, purchase Real Flight simulator and practice often. If you can't afford the new software, you might be able to find a used version cheap on ebay as there is a new version out recently.

For equipment you'll need or want at the field, I made up a [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7692929]list [/link]when I started you can take a look at which might be helpful. You won't need alot of the things on the list and some are for futaba equipment and you'll need JR stuff but it's a good list to refer to if you get into the hobby. At the very least you'll need a glo ignitor with a battery, balanced voltmeter, chicken stick, glo fuel, and pump to get the fuel into your plane. You already have a great radio and plane. You'll probably end up wanting to upgrade your radio but you have a great starter radio - you can get some money back towards a better one later if you end up liking the sport. The important thing is it's 2.4GHz which means you don't have to worry about anyone interfering with your frequency.

Good luck and welcome to the hobby.