RE: Choice of trainers. How about this?
Ron,
The Eagle 2 was my first trainer... still have it. Flies just fine and is a good choice a first airplane... plus it being a little smaller and lighter than say an LT40 means it doesn't need quite as powerful/heavy/thirsty an engine. Mine has an OS46LA on the front which, while not as powerful as an OS46FX/AX, is more than enough motor to get up over the trees.