Our club has about 5 instructors (about because we had four, one more is ready to add his name to the list). We train club members only. Cost? Club dues only. Time? depending on your ability to learn, can vary from a few weeks to a few months. I was ready after two months but solo'ed after three. My decision although my instructor said that I was pretty much ready, but worked with me until I was confident of my ability to solo with my trainer. I still ask him for direct input or help with a new plane or with any problems that come up, he usually allows me to do my thing then helps me from there if anything is out of order. Works out great.

As for the plane, well, there are many different trainers. Many people will tell you based on what they learned on. I am no different, however, I have seen several trainers out at the field in addition to the one I used (Hobbico NexSTAR Select) and they all have their +'s and -'s.

But, to date, there are three students flying the Hobbico NexSTAR and one with the Great Planes PT40. The beauty of the Hobbico NexSTAR is that it comes complete. Everything is there. Assembly time is from 20 to 60 minutes depending on mechanical ability, then overnight battery charge and you are ready to work with an instructor. It also comes complete with the installed four channel Futaba radio system, and a great OS-46 FXi engine. It also has accessories like the AFS (Automatic Flight Stabalizer) and wing-tip spoilers, and airbrakes. All work but I ended up not using the AFS in mine, I was already beyond that point because I had been training using the Tower 40 trainer which I still have, by the way, and which was a good trainer too. The Hobbico NexSTAR comes with the Great Planes RealFlight similator software for the NexSTAR which is a good thing because it allows you some simulator stick time while weather conditions do not permit actual flying. It does help, but never is a good replacement for an instructor... ON A BUDDY BOX system!! Definitely a must do..

Best part of the Hobbico NexSTAR is that Hobbico will replace the plane within 90 days of purchase should you crash before solo. There are proviso's with that.. must be on the buddy box with a qualified AMA instructor, and at a sanctioned field, which the club I belong to is/has both.

Best of luck.