I learned on an Avistar, I would consider it a trainer plane. It is a little harder to learn on than a superstar or tower trainer maybe, but it is a trainer all the same. Plus the upside is it will let you do a little more than your basic trainer. The landings do tend to be at a slightly higher speed though. Talk to the guys at the club, see if you could convince them to let you fly the Avistar, I love mine. Oh by the way whichever trainer you decide on, I would recommend not being stingy on the power. I have an OS .46FX on my Avistar, and there have been several situations that I would have crashed had I not had the extra power. Also, I can't recommend the Tower 46 engine, I have never messed with one, the OS is very easy to operate though.

Good luck, I hope you have as much fun with RC flying as I have had!

Allan