Kreg,
Kreg,
No matter what aircraft you decide on as a trainer, I will provide this advice. First, get a R/C Flight Simulator for your PC. I prefer the Great Planes G2/G3 Flight Sims. This is about a $199.99 investment retail, probably much cheaper on E-Bay. Practice flying all the aircraft on the sim. You are provided with three views; Typical R/C "From the Ground" view, "Behind the Aircraft View" (best to see how movement of the sticks on the transmitter moves the control surfaces on the aircraft to make it maneuver), and the "In the Cockpit" view. Practice on the flight sim until you can take off, fly and land with all the aircraft. You'll find that different aircraft have variations that you need to be aware of. I tell my students to become proficient with the P-51 Mustang. This is a cool looking airplane that although is not for beginners is neat in appearance and maintains the attention of the student. My last two students followed this method and once at the field, both soloed on their fourth lesson with the Avistar 40 trainer. The nicel thing about the Avistar 40 is that it has a semi-synetricl airfoil built into the wing. This allows for better meneuvering in the air and is a very stable aircraft. The Avistar 40 retails at my Local Hobby Shop with engine and radio pre-installed for $279.99. You can also find many used Avistar 40 trainers for sale often times here on RCU and on E-Bay. One final note on the flight sim; I have been flying for over fourteen years. I own a lot of Warbirds. I practice all the time on my G2 flight sim. This keeps me sharp. I can also go on line in the program and fly with others world wide. I can either Host a session and allow others to fly at my site or I can go to someone else's site and fly with others. I am often complemented at the field for my ability to keep my aircraft down the middle of the runway, both on take off and landing sequences. I reply that my sim practice is what makes me proficient. Check out my gallery her on RCU. Also check out my "Top Flite C-47 Normandy Tribute" in the Warbirds Forums here on RCU. Good Luck and Happy Landings.