If you are just getting started, the best approach is to first find the club you want to be a part of, then ask them what plane and radio you should begin with. At our club that will often be a FMS 1800 Ranger with a Spektrum radio. The Ranger is a large plane that can fly slow, and it has great handling characteristics. Being a foam plane, it’s also easier to fix than a ply and balsa model. The Spektrum radio is simply based on what radio the instructor is using. Your radio will be linked up to the instructor’s so that he or she can take over control whenever that is needed. That should greatly minimize the likelihood of a crash early on.
Should you be on a tight budget, you might get started with something like a Hobbyking Bixler. It’s a glider with a motor on top. It doesn’t have landing gear, so you will need to either hand launch or use a drop off cradle with wheels on it, but it’s fine to do a belly landing on the grass. It’s also reasonably large to help you see what’s going on, and it can fly slow.
Of course there are many options, but just don’t go out and buy a really cool warbird or ducted fan jet. That can come in time, but not to get started with! In your selection, there is also the matter of whether to go with electric, glow fuel or gasoline power.
RC Jim 