Get a "beginner-type" airplane. Goldberg Eaglet or Eagle, Great Planes' PT-20 or PT-40, Sig Kadet, etc. No Jets, Air Racers, Sporty Sleek Sky Bolts or such. Don't let anyone talk you into anything other than a trainer...you'll be sorry if you do. Get a 6 channel radio. Be sure to get a LEGAL radio. It must NOT be on 27 or 75 mhz. Commonly on 72 mhz, anything from channel 11 to channel 60 with the Gold RCMA sticker affixed somewhere. If it's not Gold Stickered, don't buy it. It would be very wise to get some advice from an experienced modeler before you buy ANYTHING! Call one of the numbers on the "RARC Club Officer" list for advice. If you have never built an airplane kit before, you should at least meet with an experienced modeler to get some tips. You should bench run your engine before installing it in the airplane. This is not so much for break-in purposes as to give you a chance to become familiar with handling it. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FLY YOUR MODEL BY YOURSELF THE FIRST TIME! If you do you'll probably be sorry... The key to success for beginners is to get help right from the start. It's so much easier to start out right than to correct mistakes later on. The best time to get help is before you buy anything. This can save you time, money, aggravation, and disappointment. RARC members are friendly and willing to help...and to get help you only have to ask!