My birthday is coming up soon and I want to ask for a plane. I myself have never owned one before, but have experience with flying other peoples planes that were 3 Channel. Im now looking for my own 4 Channel plane. Im really looking for one that is pretty durable, parts can easilly be found online, and is small. The reason for small is because a little ways away from my house there is a huge area with about 6 baseball fields, and 3-4 soccer fields lined up right next to eachother with no fences dividing thesoccer fields. (Or even trees) I would take my Mini Bike or a bicycle off road down some trails to get to the fields. I want it to be small so I could easilly strap it on somewhere or put it back in the box andbring it down. (Or fit itinto suticases on vacations.)I was looking at the Multiplex Minimag since I heard alot of good things about it. I just wanted to get an idea if there was anything elsethat was 4 Channel but a little smaller length wise.(But not to small cause it has to be able to handle wind cause sometimes theres alot down at the fields.) Also I would prefer it to be around the same price as the Minimag and be an RTF also. $200 is about the maxprice I would go.</p>

The best piece of advise everyone will give you, is to hold onto your money and find a local club.

Go out to their training sessions and see how you like the club and field.

If you do, join up and take the training.

Hang around and learn.

You'll change your choices very quickly once you start picking up pointers, do's and don'ts that you will not pick up by yourself.

You may find a GREAT deal on a nice setup too!

opjose gave you very good advice.....the local field and an instructor is the way to go.....Even a small airplane transported on a bike is a risk to you and your plane.
I just can't recommend flying in any baseball or soccer field....Your airplane once seen will be a magnet for people to come and watch....trouble is there are too many dumb masses that will want to get too close and impeded your landing...after all you'll be watching your plane.
I do agree that 4 channel is the way to go...but the bigger the better....a small light airplane will be blown about more than a biggger aircraft.
There are alot of good 4 channel glow powered trainers on the market.
I am assuming you're younger, don't drive yet, talk this over with your folks. This is a wonderful hobby....if your local club has a club trainer, you maybe able to start your lesson on their trainer.
Good Luck

Yeah I did consider about going to a real airfield. If I did have a plane I wouldnt use it when people where around. I'm 17 and I only have a permit. I was looking at airfields in New York but the closest airfield to me is over 30 minutes away and like 20 miles in one direction. Sorta to far cause I don't like to go places very far like that unless I have more than one reason cause that's alot of miles, time, and gas. Any other ideas? Like maybe not a 4 channel and a 3 instead? I think I've seen some where you can change between 3 and 4 channel. Any reccomendations on those?

Do you have a transmitter? If not than you may need to spend more than $200 to get up and running. I have seen a lot of good success with the Apprentice 15e http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...-radio-EFL2725

I got my start with a GWS Slowstick and then GWS E Starter. Wish the E Starter was still available. That was a fun little plane.

Hi!
Thought you were young...
In that case get a Spektrum DX6i and a Multiplex Easy star or Mini-Mag!

http://www.hobbyhorse.com/multiplex.shtml

It takes me 40 minutes to get to my field, and the same amount of time to get back... twice a weekend when possible.

I see it as worth the drive.

While it is understandable that it is out of your way, you may want to plan to go at least a few times BEFORE you purchase a plane, just to get the lay of the land.

What you'll learn will offset the grief and expense... and who knows, you may walk away with a nice complete setup for less than you have budgeted.

Plus the clubs help you get over those hurdles that make entry expensive... those minor things called "crashes".