Starting out

RC flight is one of the most interesting hobbies out there. But where do you start? You may think your first plane needs to be fast, high and look good look, but that is a formula to destruction. Now as discouraging as it seems, you're going to crash, great of a pilot as you may be. Crashing is like growing. You're learning the performance envelope of your plane. At the rate that the hobby is growing, it's hard to make a decision on what your first plane should be. I'm not a pro and nowhere close to one, but I know what crashing and success feels like.

Starting items

First, you're going to need a transmitter. I love my dx6i. It's about $160 (you could get it cheaper), but worth every penny.

Next, you're going to need a hot glue gun. For all those crashes, a glue gun is the most important tool.

Lastly, buy yourself a nice toolbox with a spanner, high-end pliers, wire cutters and some screwdrivers.

Your first plane

The amount of plane options are crazy, but you have to know what suits you.

First option: the Duet. I used this plane to master 3 channel after failed attempts with the Champ. The Duet is cheap, easy to fly, and durable. It's aimed at the people who want an out-of-the-box experience. This plane isn't for people who like tearing down their plane or modifiying it because the platform isn't sized to be modded.

The Duet: http://www.horizonhobby.com/product/airplanes/staff-picks/ready-to-fly/duet-rtf-hbz5300 (This plane is an RTF so you don't need a separate transmitter).

Your next option is the Tiny Trainer. This plane will get you through it all, from 2 channel all the way up to 4 chanell, but this is nowhere close to an out-of-box experience. You must learn to build, mod and tune your airplane to as close as you can get to perfection. Nevertheless, this is an amazing plane.

The Tiny Trainer: https://store.flitetest.com/tiny-trainer-get-started-package/ (this package has everything you need so you don't need to buy a transmitter) 

Research 

Do your research. Watch every video on the plane you went chose. It may seem tedious but it's worth it.

FT has a great beginner series. I'd recommend watching it, it will help you have a successful first flight.

What's Possible 

Once you master your plane, you could fly like I did in this video (I'm flying the plane being followed)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E50mLshZ-dk

or combat your friend's plane 

Whatever you do, have fun and fly safe!

-Captain Crash (Airhawk)