i have been flyin for 11 years now. My neihgbore got the nextar as his first plane. I thought it was a lil pricey, but i think it helped is confidence level. if ur a new pilot and u feel the nextar is gonna give u that extra edge cuz it has the auto pilot, well then freakin go for it!! I personally think u will learn quicker with the nextar and be less lkely to pick up bad habbits. Im always open to opinions and helpin the new guys out I guess im just passin along the knowledge my dad and flyin buddies taught me over the years.