Hey Shaun,

If you wanted you can put together a 33% plane for around $2500. I have a H9 Sukhoi, all hitech digitals, ZDZ 80, Pilot, dash, Tru-turn spinner, CF gear, all the good stuff. Not bragging, just pointing out that it does not have to cost $4000+ to get into a great flying IMAC model (the Sukhoi is not good for IMAC by the way).

Having said all of that, since you will be flying basic, stick with what you have and burn fuel. Then burn some more. Don't worry about what the plane looks like, just get it flying, and flying well.

As for practice, I rarely fly my known sequence more than 10-12 times in any session. Usually 4-5 flights. Fly thru the sequences even if you zero something. Don't stop mid-way and start over! Fly as if you are in a contest. Only after the fourth fight do I allow myself to work on individual manouvers unless something really needs some work.

I very rarely 3D my IMAC model (it is not set up for it anyway) of fear I may lose something that I have worked for 100+ flights to get flying just right!

Ryan