Any RC Airplane/Helicopter enthusiasts here?

[toef]

As a kid I always wanted an RC airplane, but never got one. Now that I've grown up a bit (but still a kid in some ways) I've been considering getting myself one.

I've always been somewhat fascinated by flight (including the space program), and just recently started playing X-Plane 9 (really good flight sim alternative to MsFS).

Anyhow, playing the flight sim has now brought back my interest in having some sort of flying RC vehicle. Does anyone here have any experience with using any, and have any recommendations for ones to start with? Any stores or reputable websites that have good prices/models?

I'd prefer using planes, but if it's easier to start with a helicopter (though they may be completely different, I don't know) then I'd do that. No point in spending money on a nice RC plane, only to crash it into the ground.