RE: avistar mods
I second Jerry's opinion.
Long time ago, somebody gave me a .40 trainer with a .60 engine, which he claimed was good for 3D.
I ended up crashing the poor thing, which was never a good 3D machine.
Good 3D planes are light and have huge control surfaces and a combination of engine (or electric motor)-propeller able to produce plenty of thrust.
You could spice up the Avistar a little to increase its capabilities as a good flier.
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