RHall,

Thanks for asking about the Avistar. I wished I had started with an advanced trainer and not that flat bottom high dyhedral PT40.
I also took the service of an instructor. In 2 hours, I learned more not just about flying, but engine, planes etc.
It's worth it to spend a little money with an instructor instead of crashing planes.
I learned to fly straight and trim my plane while flying it.
My next 2-hour class will be on landing and I hope the last 2-hour class will be my last so I can fly without a buddy.
The Avistar flew beautifully. Not much trimming was needed. And it makes all kind of aerobatics.
It's good to learn using a plane that fly like most planes but still have a slow landing speed to help beginners.

If I had to give advice to beginners, I would have only 2:
Get an advance trainer like the Avistar
Get a good instructor.

Wish someone would have told me before and save me a lot of money and frustration.

Can't wait to land alone!!!!