I recently put together a 4*60 ARF for a buddy of mine that had not flown R/C for 20+ years. We figured that since the 4* is a very forgiving plane it would be a good choice to jump back in with. I set it up with a Saito 1.00 4-stroke and a JR 662 radio set. Total cost to complete the plane was about $550 in addition to the 4* kit.

After breaking in the motor, test flights and trimming, it was time to put him on the buddy box. I flew it up a couple of mistakes high and turned it over to him. First turn he over-banked to inverted, I grabbed the plane and looped it out to save it. Tried again with similar results. And again... and again...

Decided to put him on my LT-40 trainer and he flew it with no problems! He ended up taking the LT-40 home with him (he lives several hours away from me) and he joined a local club. After two months practice with the LT-40 he was ready for the 4*. Boy, was he ready- first time up with it he was doing rolling circles, etc.

With this experience under my belt, here is my advice-

The 4* is a forgiving plane, but it is very acrobatic- it is not a trainer! You will positively need a very good instructor to keep you out of big trouble the first few flights. Find a club and a good instructor willing to train you on the 4* before spending any more money on it!

Consider buying a 40-size trainer to learn with. Once you are comfortable with the trainer you can move the radio gear to the 4*. A 60-size trainer would allow you to use the motor as well, but it would cost you more right now. You will still need an instructor!

Whatever you do, don't go cheap on the motor! I've seen more problems with newbies because of cheap motors than any other reason! I fly OS and Saito and there are other good ones out there. The extra money in this area is well worth it.

You don't have to get fancy with the radio gear or servos. I would get a low-end computer radio. The standard servos that come with the radio set will be fine. Find your instructor first and buy a brand that matches what he has.

The 4*60 is truly a great plane! But it is not the easiest or cheapest way to get into the hobby.

The most important thing is to find a club and an instructor ASAP, since this will help determine which is the right way to go for you.

Good luck!!!