I also went the RTF route for learning. Helped a ton by FMS and now AeroFly Pro simulator software.

I started with an Aerobird and got a Sky Scooter II. After I got the Sky Scooter, I sold the Aerobird for more SS2 batteries. The Sky Scooter is so much fun, I literally flew the engine off mine one day. Had to epoxy it back on, good as new. Also, the radio equipment can be reused in another plane if you want.

I have flown my sky scooter so much that it's looking ratty from landing on dirt and I don't want to put any more paint on it. (Getting heavy.) A whole new plane with motor (no radio gear) can be had for only $60! (Hobby Horse) Just put your sky scooter guts in with hot glue and go back to flying.

I'm building a GWS Tiger Moth now. I will run it off the 3-channel SS2 transmitter, so all I needed was a ESC, batteries, Rx and two servos to make it fly. Bonus.

Also, put ni-cads in the SS2 Tx, and it recharges with a Futaba recharger!. Double bonus.

Anyway, I am a huge Sky Scooter 2 fan. My third project, almost done, is a Wattage "Tangent," a F3A style speed 400 plane KIT (definitely not RTF). I'm putting dual aileron servos in so I can have flaps and spoilers. Should be a hoot. I have a Futaba 6X to run it. If I break it, the gear goes in a PIGI.

Happy flying to you. Regards,

Mike Ledbetter