I learned on an Avistar with no prior flight experience and did pretty well. And I still enjoy flying it after a season. I think wether it should be a primary trainer has a lot to do with the individual. I would not recommend it for a younger person with no R/C experience. If you have experience with cars/boats/etc, then you can probably start with the Avistar. If you understand the dynamics of flight, then you can probably start with the Avistar. If you have a good relationship with a competant instructor, then you can probably start with the Avistar. If you can't figure out where the fuel goes, then you should probably start simpler. All in all, it is a very good airplane and will grow with a beginner well beyond the solo point.