I like Tom's idea... It almost looks like a Citabria, not like a pure classic trainer. Kadets fly great and have plenty of acrobatic capability to grow into.

Another option, but it will take more time is Top Flite's Cessna 182 Skylane Gold Edition kit. It would be a big step up in terms of build so you probably ought to go with something a bit less daughnting first. Besides its high wing, it has tricycle gear which is a bit easier for T/O and landings.

One other real nice kit is Bruce Tharpe's Flying King. It is a bit bigger than the Kadet Senior and designed for a larger engine. It is also a kit configured to include flaps. It could be modified just like Tom has done on his Kadet and you could dress up the cowl like Tom has so that it doesn't have the "unfinished" look in that area. Bruce's kits are terrific, build great and get nothing but raves from builders.

Lars