One more vote for the 40 size machines. The 60 trainers may fly a bit easier, but maybe not -- they are about the same in my experience. The bigger planes are easier to see (there are 40 size trainers just as large -- eg. Nexstar & Kadet Senior), but the visual advantage is not great &, as noted, you shouldn't be flying that far away when you are learning.

The advantages of the 40's include the huge range of choices out there with a great deal of trainer airframe development effort spent on them, they are cheaper, use cheaper engines (TT .42 GP & OS .40/46 LA are perfect for primary trainers) & are not as easily damaged in a crash -- big planes often disassemble impressively in a crash that smaller planes survive with minor damage.


Performance, price & durability -- hard to beat.