The Senior Kadet is an excellent choice for a first model. But because of its stick construction it is not as durable as a solid frame model. But as long as you get help from an experienced pilot it will do just fine. Its easy flying style makes up for the less durable framework. And don't overlook the Seniorita. Its the same plane in a smaller package so its a little easier to transport.

The senior will fly just fine with an inexpensive plain bearing engine like an OS FP-40 or LA 40 or 46. You don't need a bearing engine for this plane. And those engines can be bought off Ebay for $30-$50 bucks. There are almost impossible to wear out and are super easy to adjust.

I have built one Senior and 3 Senioritas and have a Seniorita kit in my attic now. All had ailerons. I just used the simple strip aileron set up. The changes I made were to flatten the wing. Make the wing bolt on and change to tail dragger. None of this was necessary but just something I wanted to do.

My buddy built one just like the plans with no changes and powered it with an FP-40 and it just sorta floated around the sky. About anyone with just a little help could have flown that plane.