If you do not yet have an airplane, the following links offer some ideas of what to expect and look for in a trainer. Within the last few years, manufacturers have begun to offer complete trainer packages that include almost everything that you need to get started. These packages are known as RTF's (Ready To Fly). As the name implies, RTF's come out of the box almost complete. As little as an hour may be required to make them airworthy. RTF packages include:

Trainer Airplane
Installed, broken in and tuned Engine and Fuel System
Installed and connected flying surfaces (Rudder/Elevator/Aleron)
Installed quality receiver, battery pack and servos
Included qualilty transmitter

RTF's are completely covered, these days with high quality UltraCote®. Assembly requirements are minimal. You may have to glue together wing halves and install tail feathers using epoxy. RTF's make things pretty fail safe however with guides that insure correct assembly.

The next level of complexity for trainers is the ARF (Almost Ready to Fly). ARF's are similar to the RTF in that they are usually fairly completely assembled and covered with UltraCote or equivilant. The similarity stops there. You will need to purchase separately:

You will probably need to:

-Carefully assemble the wings and tail feathers following detailed instructions to insure proper intallation and alignment.
-Install all servos
-Install, connect and trim all control surfaces
-Install Landing Gear
-Install Fuel Tank and Fuel Lines
-Break In, Install and Set Up Engine
- Set Center of Balance