Sorry, Todd, about the thread hijack, but I need to explain myself better.

I understand that a sim is no substitute for flying a real model. But I have proven, at least to myself, that it does help with orientation problems (right is left with plane coming toward you) and with general Tx control. My maiden flight on the trainer went very well. I landed about 30 yards from where I wanted to but no damage. The next few flights ended with some cartwheeled landings but the take offs and flights went well.

During the summer and fall I've logged about 40-50 flights on the trainer. About 5-6 flights every good enough weekend. Many of them were strictly touch and go flights to get my landings down. I can now land within 10-15 yards of my landing point (that's before or after, pretty much right on side-side). In the fall I purchased a Spectra Select to try something different. Besides having less power than I expected, I really like it. I only have 10-15 flights on it but so far, with the exception of a windy day, I have had no problems. All landings were successful.

The thing is I'm starting to get bored. I want to advance my flight proficincy and the planes I have are fine for circles and figure 8s, but I want something I actually have to fly. I don't want it to be easy anymore. I want a new challenge. So I went looking for a low wing. After researching many planes I read up on the MT Magic Extra. The words "Mild to Wild" caught my eye. Some of the user reviews mentioned the trainer-like landings and great slow stall speeds (I realize it will be more difficult than a trainer, but that's what I want). And as I get more experience, I can increase the throws and not need another plane. The price was right, so I bought one.

I know I'm taking a chance. I may crash it. I may not. But if I do it will just make me more determined. And I fly over a hayfield in the middle of nowhere so myself and my car are the only targets for a runaway plane. I honestly don't mean to be anti-social or arrogant but doing things on my own makes it feel more like an accomlishment.

I think if I use my past flight experiences, my G3 practice, and the info on this awsome forum I can control that Extra with low throws and expo. If it does go in, I'll get a milder aerobatic trainer, but I want to give this a try first.