Hello All,

I am a pre-noob that has been thinking about getting into this hobby for about 30 years. Yeah, I know, that is a lot of thinking, but Iam career and family oriented, so really didn't have the time. Now that the family is grown and has kids of their own, I am getting serious on this.

The grandkids got me an Estes Viper for Christmas and I have really had a blast learning how to fly it and have now made an appointment with a loccal club to fly a "real" plane this weekend. Been reading in this and other forums about good trainer planes, and have asked at my local RC shop. And I will be discussing the first plane with the guy this weekend. Information overload!

The guy at the hobby shop recommended the RTFChamp. It is what he started with 6 months ago. It's inexpensive, $80,and pretty durable I guess. And it can be flown about anywhere there is more than closest size room. Question is, can it handle more than a light breeze. I know the Viper can't and the Champ doesn't have much more mass, 1.3 oz v 1 oz.

I'm thinking something like the Super Cub might be a better choice. It's still a trainer, but is much larger, and the RTF comes with the same Spektrum DX4 radio. Should be able to handle a bit more wind than the Champ. I also found a site with plans for adding ailerons, when the time comes, which will make it a 4 channel. Another thought I have is buying the DX5e and getting the BNF version of whatever plane I get.

Any thoughts on the larger trainer and going with an upgraded Tx?