Phantom4099 -

It is kind of difficult making soooo many decisions when first getting in to the hobby isn't it? And sometimes it gets down right frustrating too. There has been some good advice here so far however I will add my 2 cents worth.

Ask this question to yourself before you purchase anything - >>>is this something I'll be able to use later?<<<. If you do this you will save yourself a lot of aggrevation (and $$$) later - when the time comes.

I would suggest that you concentrate on learning to fly properly and safely first more so than which transmitter, how many channels. etc. You will not be dealing with anything beyond what a standard 4 channel radio provides for a while anyways.....probably not until your second or third plane depending on the style of flying you prefer and how well you're flying at that point.

With that said - get the trainer that will give you the best advantage possible to sucessfully learn to fly wet powered aircraft. I personally learned on a Hobbico Avistar 40 which is a nice trainer but not the best in my opinion. I have also flown many other trainers such as - SPADS, Superstar's, LT-40's and the Nexstar. Of all of these different trainers I would say the least desirable to learn on is the SPADS - they just don't compare to a balsa built up plane as far as stability, ease of handling and general flight characteristics. The one that I prefer out of these is Hobbico's Nexstar - and I will explain why.

It comes with everything right out of the box with minimal assembly and nothing else to buy except for the usual field gear. The OS .46Axi is an outstanding engine and can be used on future 40 size planes as well as all of the electrical gear that is included. It is the perfect size for a trainer and is built of quality wood, etc. The flight assist that comes with the plane is a very good tool for someone new to flying although I have found that it isn't really necessary in training new students because the plane is very docile and has great stability without it. The transmitter is perfect for the plane and can be used later with the second and even the third plane. To sum this up - I find that for the student and the flight instructor - you will not find a better trainer or bargain - anywhere!

After you learn to fly on your own and have gotten past your second plane - then you will probably want to invest in a programmable transmitter. Especially if you want to fly more advanced maneuvers or aircraft. One thing to keep in mind about purchasing a transmitter is the availability of gear (servos, receivers, etc.) that your LHS supplies or can order. In other words, don't buy a Futaba radio if your LHS owner can only get JR servos, etc. and vice-versa. This will cause you a lot of grief when it comes time to replace a set of gears or the servo itself when you're in a hurry to get back in to the air. If you get one of the more advanced synthesized radios this may not be an issue as these can be set to either positive or negative shift. Chances are that you will not need anything beyound a basic, inexpensive 6 channel progammable radio unless you get in to flying larger scaled planes. For everyday sport, fun-fly and 3D flying the 6 channel is more than adequate and will serve you for years. I know many pilots that have invested in the really expensive radios and not use any more of the functions than what is on my T6XAs. This to me is a waste of money that could have been spent in other areas.......like more planes!!!!

It all gets down to what YOU prefer and what your budget is. Do what you think is best -after all - you are the one that will be flying the darn thing. If it make you happy - that's all that matters.