I am sure power is crazy, but the plane itself is heavy for its siz, plain and simple. It weighs almost as much (within 1/2 pound or so) as the EF Yak, yet has 9" less wingspan, and 320 less square inches. Even if you are on a budget, there are several other planes out there that will fly much lighter...remember, flight performance is equally based on power-to-weight, AS WELL AS wing loading/reynolds numbers. I cuold put a DA50 on a 12 pound ROCK and it would have killer vertical performance, but once I let off the throttle it is an instant lawn dart...get it??