I get a lot of interest in RC airplanes when people pass by during a flight. I let people fly my RealFlight G2 sim to get a taste of the fun they are missing. I also give them my email and send them to the Ezone website.

With all of the strides in motors, batteries, electronics and kits, there is an overwhelming array of choices.
I take a couple of approaches when I recommend equipment to potential fliers:
If they aren't sure of their interest level and don't have any local help, I send them to the durable and complete T-Hawk. The reason for this is, all of the work is done for the beginner and they can concentrate on flying only, Also, the plane has reusable electronics that can move to another plane. There are enough spares with the kit to enable the new flier to crash frequently before the wallet has to come out. Take a look at the site and videos.

The other approach is to buy an inexpensive GWS Slow Stick for approximately $35 and purchase a radio, charger and some batteries, seperately. This plane flys very well and is very popular with RC pilots of all skill levels, due to it's price, versatility and good flying characteristics.

Here are some good links for sites, vendors, and products that will be of interest:

Ian Pullar's good intro site for beginners.

Servo City: Radios, servos, receivers chargers, good service, free shipping.

Castle Creations: High quality, reliable speed controllers, that I have had good luck with for 5+ years.

Tower Hobbies: The popular, affordable Triton charger that handles: Nimh, Nicad, Lipo and lead batteries.

Cheapbatterypacks.com: Good batteries, great prices and customer service.

Discount Hobbies: Great hobby shop if you are in the Central Texas area. Good prices, friendly people and great service. Highly recommended!

There many more great vendors/links that I will continue to add as I come across them..

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This is my Slow Stick with a Mega 16/15/7 brushless motor, Castle Creations 25amp ESC, 10X5 APC Slowflyer prop, KAN 1050mah 8 cell battery pack, DragonFly wing and fishing line reinforced wing/landing gear/ tailgroup. All in all, a very durable , fun to fly workhorse.