ORIGINAL: oldvet70

The predecessor to the LA was the FP which I always thought was a little better engine. Anyway I had a 40FP in a Goldberg trainer for over 15 years. I could not begin to tell you the number of hours or people who flew that plane. It was used day in day out as a trainer, intro flight plane and all around 'can my kid try that plane'. It had been beat so much that a 5 1/4 plane grew to 6 1/2 pounds over its life. The engine always started. It had a dead stick maybe every 2or 3 years. 3 years ago I gave it to an 11 year old who wanted to fly. Once he learned he put floats on it, made it even heaver, and flew it this summer off of water. Figuring that someday it may need a new liner and piston I also gave him those parts just in case. He has not needed them. And I still have at least 3 FP's in planes I still have that are equally old and have never been rebuilt. So there is not a thing wrong with going the less expensive route, just as going the more expensive route is fine. But for anyone to try to claim the LA is not a good choice well that's just silly. It will do exactly what you are looking for. I like OS engines, I also have Saito's, Evolutions and Magnum. Heck I still have my fathers Baby Cyclone from the 1930 that still runs. I advise all prospective pilots to not worry about buying their trainers engine with a view to the future. Get what you need and save your money for fuel. Learn how to fly well and let the future unfold as it does.