• Don't buy a big scale model like a 4 metre wingspan ASW27 or a small 1 metre span "hotrod" model...they are just too tricky to learn on.
• DO ask your local club for advice.
• DO make sure you take out 3rd party insurance in case you crash into anything or anybody.

Bearing this in mind, you've now got to think about how the model is constructed. There's basically 3 choices

EPP - Made from indestructible foam, meaning you can crash it as many times as you like and it just bounces!

• Advantages - Quick and easy to build, very difficult to damage, making for an ideal model to learn on
• Disadvantages - The models look "functional" - i.e. UGLY

ARTF (Almost Ready To Fly) - Generally fibreglass fuselage and built up or foam wings

• Advantages - Can look very attractive, pretty much pre-built, all you need to do is some minor building work and install the radio. Wide variety available at reasonable prices.
• Disadvantages - They don't bounce as well as EPP models, however this isn't usually a problem as long as you have a helper when you start to learn to fly

Traditional models

• Advantages - You can build the model how you want it, usually cheaper to buy . You will get a better understanding of how models work and fly.
• Disadvantages - You have to build the model yourself, which can be tricky if you've never built a model before. Will take longer to build and get flying.

So what would the SCSA recommend?
The choice is yours and yours only (bit of a cop-out!). However EPP or moulded foam models are a particularly popular choice nowadays.

Ideally what you're looking for is a 2 channel (rudder/elevator) model with a polyhedral wing (one with bent-up wingtips ) ...just like the one pictured here (incidentally this is a Gentle Lady)

You can also go for models with straight wings, but they must still be rudder/elevator models.

If you want to go for an EPP model then Phoenix Model products do a good range of EPP models. The EPPi-Soar would make a good beginners model as it is similar to the Gentle Lady, but being made of EPP it would be practically unbreakable.

Some people will recommend the "Zagi" (see photo right) as a beginners model. Although the Zagi is made of EPP and is an excellent model, it's only really suitable for beginners who are likely to learn quickly and have quick reactions ( i.e. your average 10 yr old son or daughter).
The problem (for beginners) is that the Zagi reacts very quickly to control inputs, meaning you can very quickly get into trouble and crash whilst you're learning to fly. However you are also very, very unlikely to damage the model.

Once you've mastered a rudder/elevator model, the next step a model with ailerons.

The Multiplex Easy Glider is a very good aileron trainer. It has really nice flying characteristics, is easy to build (and repair!) and can even be bought ready fitted with all the necessary radio equipment!

See the Punctilio website for more details of the Easy Glider

So now you've sorted out which model to fly, what about the radio?