The NexSTAR 'gadgets' work. We have a student that has the NexSTAR. He said he was not going to learn with the 'gadgets' on his plane. Two flights later he put them on and is now a happy fellow.

The AFS system, well, I started with it but disconnected it after a flight or two. The problem with it is that it really does not like to be used in direct sunlight. If it's cloudy, it works ok, but I learned without it. THAT is a gadget, Chad. The rest of the things, the wing tip spoilers and speed brakes do work and do perform a useful function for anyone that has never flown before. And, once solo'ed, they can come off if the pilot wishes. Mine came off the week after I solo'ed and made a noticeable difference.

I have a feeling that some of the people making the above posts have not flown the NexSTAR and do not know exactly how good these 'gadgets' are for a beginner.

The NexSTAR 'system' comes with the simulator software as well as a complete radio system.

The plane is physically larger and slightly heavier than many 40 size trainers. The larger part gives better visibility than you get from most 40 size trainers, and the wing area is almost a third more than many/most 40 size trainers.

I flew both, the Tower 40 trainer and the NexSTAR. Both flew very well but the NexSTAR was a superior trainer. We had two people at our club that solo'ed in just a few weeks using only the NexSTAR and the simulator. It took me a bit longer but my instructor said I was ready after a month of weekend flying.

Yes, there are many great trainers. It becomes a choice made by the individual flyer. Talk to your instructor and see how he/she feels about the NexSTAR. Personally I give it a thumbs up [sm=thumbup.gif].