RE: Is 5 old enough to start training?
Just my $.02, if she really wants to fly, start her off with one of the back-yard electric flyers. My 4yr old and 7yr old grrls both love the Air Hogs Aero-Ace. The birds charge off of the transmitter (8 x AA batteries). The only down-side is a 15-20 minute recharge after each 8-10 minute flight.
Cheers!