Obviously I'm having a grand time with the 80. I'd be lying to say otherwise.

HOWEVER. I will still recommend you start with a 60 engine.

Here's why;

Learning aerobatics using a 60 engine will teach you how to manage the collective. Most if not ALL the current 3D maneuvers were mastered by the current pros using 60 engines. If they could do it, I want to as well.

In my case, I had the 80 for 4 months before my instructor allowed me to slap it on the Freya. He also wanted to be sure I could manage the collective first by testing me doing multiple rolls. Only until I could do 3 consecutive rolls without the engine sagging did I too realize I had the rudimentary skills I needed and the 80 will just make me better, NOT hide my weaknesses.

If you can hold your breath, maybe you can opt for the new OS 70 SZ engine that's more powerful than the 60, but not as thirsty as the 80 or 90 engines.