Magic set up needed to hover
Yes it should easily hover with the .40la.
I have a TT.42 bushing engine with a 11x5 prop on mine and it hovers easily at less than 1/2 throttle. I have just used the 11x5 prop and am very happy with it. I am just starting to experiment with this plane.
Try a 11x5 or 11x4 prop and let us know what you think.
by the way, so far this plane is awesome.