ORIGINAL: Fastsky
Smaller glow planes are fun but need a light touch on the controls. The smaller wingspan means that it only takes a second or less for the plane to completly turn upside down. This can be fun for the experienced but more than a handful for a new pilot.Larger planes are easier to see, can land slower, and are more forgiving while learning.
I'm sorry, but I must disagree. The sensitivity of a plane is a function of the control throws, not its size. Any plane, even a .40 size trainer, is going to be a handful for a beginner if the throws are too large. Flying .15 to .25 size planes takes no more or less skill than a .40 size.
As for visibility, sure, they are smaller. Easy solution, don't fly them as far away. Many beginners fly way too high anyway.
Larger planes can land slower? That's a funtion of plane design and wing loading, not size. In fact, it's just the opposite, smaller planes fly slower. Compare the stall speeds of a 747 (~120 kts) versus a 737 (~107 kts). Don't quote me on the exact numbers, but this is what I found online. A larger plane may seem to be landing slower, but it's partly an illusion.
More forgiving? A trainer is a trainer. Forgiving is also a function of design, not size. I've seen .15 size planes survive tumbles, with no damage, that would have resulted in significant breakage on a larger plane. One reason, less mass.
If Josh wants to try a smaller plane, let's help him find one instead of trying to convince him that small planes are bad. I've got years of experience with small and large planes and I know for a fact that small planes are no more or less difficult than large planes. In fact, for many people, small planes actually are less intimidating than large ones.