Doesn't the NexStar come with a warranty that you'll learn to fly or your money back or something? I mean, they are uncrashable right? Seriously though. If you follow their instructions to make the warranty valid, you'll be at an AMA field with an instructor. That kinda makes any trainer a lot safer till you learn. I take it you weren't on a buddy box, and the amazing new features of the NexStar didn't include a tree avoidance system? I've got a couple friends buying trainers. I took them to the LHS and they have a large selection. The salesman started spouting how the NexStar was the new breed of trainer. I told my friend "they are all just trainers, the NexStar is this month's latest & greatest, there will be a new and improved trainer out soon, but it will just be another trainer also." I'm glad to see you aren't giving up, even though you crashed a un-crashable plane sir.... - Joe