I do instruct regularly, and I have to disagree with several things that have been said here.

First of all, just because a plane is 3 channel or made of foam does not make it a toy. I still enjoy flying my 3 channel cubs, and they make great teaching tools if used properly. And I would disagree that a Champ is any better or worse than learning on a four channel plane. I have modified the foam Cubs that I use for teaching so that the rudder is still on the left stick, but the elevator is on the right stick. This makes the transition to an aileron model much easier since the student doesn't have to "re-learn" ground handling or anything else, they just have to add using ailerons to the skills they already have.

Second, there are many people who think they are superior pilots because they fly bigger planes when in fact, a small and responsive plane like Parkzone t-28 or a Stryker can be a lot harder to handle than a Telemaster or a 71" Cessna made of balsa. In fact, my little brushless J-3 would be a challenge for many who "think" they are above it. The Parkzone T-28 can be a great choice as a second or third plane, but it is no "toy".

One thing I do agree with is that every student is different and a good instructor will realize the differences in his students. I've had some students who learned quickly and/or had prior RC experience with cars or boats and it was apparent after the first buddy box flight that they could start off on something more advanced than a foam Cub. Other students needed the stability and forgiveness of a foam Cub, high wing trainer, and a simulator to help their skills develop.

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