I started on a Northwest Aerodynamics .40 trainer with a flat bottom airfoil. After I crashed it due to an instructor's inattention, I built a Sig Kavalier. This is the plane I soloed on. I found it MUCH easier to land, especially in wind. The semi-symmetrical airfoil allowed better penetration and less ballooning.

Which is better? To each their own, as they say. Planes like the Goldberg Eagle or Great Planes PT 40 are VERY gentle, slow-flying planes that are excellent trainers. A plane like the Avistar is faster and less forgiving, but it penetrates better, doesn't balloon as much, and isn't affected by the wind as much. Both types have their good and bad points.

Ya pays ya muny an' ya takes yer cherce.

Dr.1