I'll probably get flamed for this but...

I like the Sturdy Birdy II. I have tips at the following site...

http://home.twcny.rr.com/driscollfamily/RC

..because I learned a few things over the 120 flights or so on the plane.

This plane is crash resistant, and flies "ok". It doesn't fly great, but requires constant flying attention. I've exchanged email with several people who all learned on this plane. The most common comment I heard from experienced pilots was, "I hate this plane, but if you can fly this, you can fly anything". Almost 2 months later and 3 planes later, they were correct. Haven't crashed yet.

My daughter has crashed it and it held up 'very well'. I'm teaching her and my father in law on it (another instructor let her try and take off and it went down...) Now, I'm teaching, and teaching lots of rudder and throttle control among the basics. Once you get this plane, I've learned that "real planes" fly great. Isn't that what a trainer is for? It's cheap to boot.

Please read the web site as I really think the comments in there helped me on this plane. "Out of the box" I would say the plane needs help. Please also make sure you join a local club to have somebody help you. I've never had so much fun in my life at a hobby.

Regards,

Dan