BKuch,

I agree with the other posts regarding starting with a true trainer. They are easier to fly and will help you greatly on the road to SAFELY flying solo!

As far as the Staggerwing goes, I have one with the E-flite micro pneumatic retracts. The micro pneumatics are a really nice set up! They work very well and are more than strong enough for the Staggerwing. Installing them was easy, except for a minor mistake in the instructions...

I reviewed the Staggerwing for RCU, and the review should be going live in the next few weeks - keep a look-out in the review section for it!

Just my humble opinion though - take it for what it's worth!

G.Barber