My club has a very solid training program, and so I haven't seen many with the SAFE equipped planes. IMO, beginners think about crashing too much. They seem to think crashes are a random and inevitable event in RC flying. I wait for beginners to say something about crashing, and I'm ready with a retort that basically says that every crash is preventable, every crash is caused by human error, and it is entirely possible to do this hobby without ever crashing. Crashes shouldn't be expected. I don't want to set them up for too much disappointment when it finally does happen, but I think it's more beneficial to start with a positive mentality than to expect trouble and make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. To my mind, the SAFE system plays on that beginner fear and from what I'm seeing here, it may create a need for itself in the mind of the pilot that makes him fear any plane that doesn't have it.

I think every new pilot should be taught basic aerobatics in addition to takeoffs, circuits, and landings. They increase comfort and confidence in the plane so much and really up the fun factor as well. The SPA novice sequence is a great set of maneuvers to start, so I think there's a lot to be said for a trainer that will do all of those moves with at least some grace. The Avistar definitely can, as can the venerable old Ugly Stick.