Like i said, it is an OK trainer. But you failed to mention how after a few flights, the owner will want to yank off the $100 worth of crap attached to the thing, therefore, losing that $$ right there. The Alpha 60 is a much better plane, its built better and has better flight characteristics. I do not second guess you're ability and experience as a pilot , especially for 55years, however, as a recent graduate of a trainer, i can honestly say that the Nexstar is just not as good as alot of the others ont he market, especially $$ worth. I learned by myself because i am not in the vicinity of any local clubs. If you use you're intelligent about flying, then you can do it by yourself. Granted, i dont recommend it to anyone, but it can be done. Therefore, i had to do everything on my own. I bought an Xtra Easy 2 because it was bigger than most trainers. If i had to do it again, i would get an Aplha 60 or Kadet Senior. Not a .40 size because you just grow out of it too quickly and the .60 size engines can be used for many applications.