i can say that the air core and sturdy birdy are two of the toughest planes i have seen,and cheapest to make repairs to.they aren't the best flying planes to train on but do pretty well.i would agree with bubbagates although that something like the lt40 would be a better plane to train on and they too seem to last longer than most other balsa models.i would not suggest trying to learn by yourself,but if you must good luck, most of the old timers didn't have instructors.