Getting started with model aeroplanes

Parts

The easiest option

Hobbyzone champ RTF. Comes with everything you need. Very easy to fly and so light (30g) that it resists crashes extremely well. Worth getting a few extra batteries as they only last about ten minutes. About $100.

My current setup

HK Mini Swift (the plane) ($80.50). I picked this one because it is very small and light, so it survives crashes better. It's also very cheap and very fun to fly.

Batteries for the plane: Zippy Flightmax 350mAh 2S 20C ($4.11 each, get a few, they last about ten minutes) or similar.

Controller: Turnigy 9XR mode 2.($136). This is a great controller, it has heaps of features thanks to its open source software. You will need to read the manual (~10 pages) to configure it, that part is fun. One of the best features is adjustable exponential response, so that fine control with small movements is possible. It also plugs into simulators you can buy for your computer, such as PhoenixRC ($160).
Controller battery: Turnigy 9XR transmitter pack (3s 2200mAh 1.5C) ($17) . You only need one, it lasts for many flights between charges.


Module: Orange RX DSM2 (turnigy compatible) ($39). The module is the thing that plugs into the controller and sends signals to the receiver in the plane. I haven't tried any others but this one seems to work well. Range is at least 1km (you can't see the plane when it is that far away so that's more than enough).
Receiver for the plane: OrangeRx R410 4Ch 2.4Ghz Receiver ($13) this sits in the plane and receives signals from the controller/module you hold. The throttle controller and control surface servos plug into it. It might be worth getting a couple in case you get more planes later on (it's easier to have one for each plane).

Battery charger: Charging lithium batteries is tricky. I had trouble with this. I ended up with the

Turnigy Accucel-6 50W 6A Balancer/Charger ($30). It comes with the wrong type of plug for the above batteries so I got some of the right type of plugs (JST, $3) and soldered one to the charging wires. It also requires a 12V power supply (but comes with a plug) so I wired it up to a spare 12V (yellow) line from my computer power supply. DC power supplies are quite expensive!

Total cost: $81 + 5*$4 + $136 + $17 + $39 + $13 + $30 + $3 = $339.  You could save money by getting a cheaper controller/module/receiver combo such as Turnigy 5X transmitter combo pack which would be a total of $81 + 5*$4 + $33 + $7 + $30 + $3 + $3 = $177.

Where to fly

I fly at a wide beach. Deep, soft sand is quite good for crashing, it absorbs the impact more gently than ovals. The best way to avoid crashing is to fly high so you have room to recover if (when) you stall. Long grass would also be good.

You should not fly closer than 30m to another person or property or 150m to a crowd. A large, deserted oval is good. Don't scare or annoy people. Don't run any risk of crashing into anything expensive.

Additional notes

It might be worth getting a couple of spare propellers ($3 each) because if you "land" (hit the ground) with the propeller running it will break (I did this).

You might also like to get bigger batteries for going faster (but heavier so not as good gliding): 500-800 mAh. Still get 2S ones with the little red (JST) connector, that's what the plane has.