Resurrecting this thread, for some newer folk that have been coming down to the field. There are a couple of threads similar, and heaps of other stuff if you google.
Specifically though if you want to start flying and coming down to our field, here are some tips.
1. Register on this forum, introduce yourself and post on the forum on the thur/fri that you'll come down the field to visit, watch the forum for weather reports, and notification if flying days are cancelled for any reason.
2. Visit the field, chat to the members, we are friendly and helpful. If you post on the forum in advance we may be able to get you up in a trainer with an instructor when you visit.
3. Visit your local hobbyshop, Ultimate Hobbies in Parramatta is closest to our field and have been good, many members have bought equipment and been supported there.
4. If you are literally a first timer and have a PC, get a RC simulator (Phoenix, RealFlight are two common ones). You can buy the whole sim kit including a practice transmitter new for less than $200. Simulator IS worth it when starting, you will develop the flying skills faster, and save yourself some crashes!
5. Transmitter - you can buy a plane RFT (Ready to Fly) including transmitter, and for first plane thats absolutely fine. Depending on make/model, the packaged transmitter may not allow an instructor to 'buddy' you though, ie fly with you and take over if you are going to crash... think about that, but it is the cheapest way to get all the equipment, and working together.
If you are confident you'll stay with the sport, and are willing to spend a little more upfront, buy your own transmitter. At our club, the most popular brands are Spektrum and Frysky. Get something with at least 6 channels or more eg DX6, DX7-9. A DX6 or DX6i is quite sufficient to start with , as you get more involved you may upgrade your transmitter. You can buy second-hand but take the risk on it fully working, and they are hard to test, unless you connect it all up to receivers and servos, you'll need some knowledge. Some of the hobby shops, like Ultimate Hobbies will sell second hand ones all checked out, so good idea to ask.
6. Come to our field and arrange with a member (Club Instructor) to have a buddy fly, with a club trainer. You can do this before you buy anything.
7. First plane... unless you are very comfortable with assembly and electronics, get an ARF or RTF 'foamie' (made of foam). Foamies are robust and easily to repair, best for learning. ARF/RTF are all setup (minimal assembly, ARF you will need to install the receiver for your transmitter), so you dont waste time on doing that and instead get straight to learning to fly. Talk to members at the club, or hobby shop about recommending a good trainer. If you need help setting up, bring it down to the field, members will help with advice/guidance or even do it for you!!
**For now FORGET that awesome looking Spitfire or Mustang you saw in the hobbyshop or online, with those flaps, big wingspan, retractable landing gear and all that cool stuff! It is not what to start with- trust me it'll end in tears! If you must buy it, keep it in the box for a few months while you learn on something easier. Don't be fooled either by the term 'trainer', they can be lots of fun, aerobatic and even fast, they are just a design that is a bit more forgiving if you stuff up.
A mid-wing 'pusher' (engine at the back) with a big wingspan >900mm, is good, as is a high-wing trainer on tricycle wheels (like a cessna) is also good. Good (safe) brands like Parkzone, Horizon, Eflite are good... there are many, best to talk to members, and a your hobby shop. You can certainly buy a cheap plane on-line, but you do need to know what you are buying, and parts are usually harder(impossible) to get... yes you will need parts, as you crash and need to repair, the mainstream brands mentioned above usually have parts available in the hobby shops. If you buy on-line do your research, so you know exactly what you want, and what you're getting.
8. Got your simulator....USE IT! If you can do 10hrs of sim time before you first flight, you'll pick up the real flying much quicker. Sims are good, but are NOT fully realistic, you will master the basics of sim flying, then come to real thing and find it more difficult. Biggest value when learning is they train your brain in the reverse orientation of control when the aircraft is flying at you.
9. First (maiden) flight. So you got your plane and transmitter, got your buddy, and ready to fly. Step 1, get another experienced member to 'checkout' your plane, the assembly, transmitter setup, CoG... make sure you get the best chance for a successful maiden. If your still learning and new, ask another pilot to maiden it for you, find any problems, get it trimmed and ready for you, this is a common request not only of new members but also experienced flyers who arent familiar with a new type. Then you take it up, with or without buddy depending on your skill level.
Ok so thats how to start flying down at our club. I have used the example of planes, but quads are also flown at the club, the only difference that with the 'very-auto' capability of drones like Phantom, Blades etc, you dont really need to buddy, just having someone to talk and guide you is usually enough, till you progress to racing/aerobatic drones.
Stuff you will buy starting off.
-plane (for learning, get something with wingspan >900mm)
-transmitter
-receiver
-simulator
-batteries (have 3 when learning, type of battery will depend on plane)
-battery voltage tester
-battery charger ( the options here are many, start simple)
-glue ! (many choices for that too)
- then lots more stuff... make room in your garage/shed!!
paaatience !!
paaaaaatience 
paaaaaaatieeence 
dooooohhhh !!! 
