[osidak]

I have been flying for 18 years

For a first plane I would consider the following

High Wing
Flat botton airfoil
Plenty of dihedral (v shape to the wing)
.40 size engine
55+ inch wingspan
4 channel operation
Tricycle gear

This will give you a easy slow flying airplane that is cheap to support and maintain.

Intial startup of R/C can be heafty and if you decide it is not for you then your equipment is worth pennies on the dollar. So start out as cheap as possible but get good equipment. Visit a local flying field and see what they suggest (Everyone has their preference)

I would suggest a plane that you build your self for your first plane.

ARF's (Almost Ready to Fly) tend to be more expensive and heavier than a kit built plane. The heavier a plane the higher the wing loading and the easier it is to stall and crash.

Once you have crashed (and you will) they are harder to repair as you didn't build it and they tend to use foam in the wings.

If you have any other questions let me know