The new 2nd-plane pilot should also consider the relative costs involved. A U-CAN-DO, in addition to being a questionable 2nd plane choice, is significantly more costly than most of the more conventional "second model" birds. I don't think that it is in the inexperienced pilot's best interest for us to encourage him/her into getting a handfull of expensive model that has a good chance of becomming spare parts in a hurry.

Our own enthusiasms for any particular model (I like the U-CAN-DO a lot) shouldn't color our thinking when making a recommendation to inexperienced pilots. We can't help looking at models from the point of view of being accomplished fliers -- of course it's easy to fly when you don't even have to think about flying. We lose sight of how easy it is for a new pilot to get in over his head, without the tools & presence of mind to make a save. We don't do them any favours at all by talking them into high performance planes too soon -- and they are easily lead by their own desire to have a new set of hot wings. Basically, they are sitting ducks for mis-guidance.