Don't know about the engine, but the airframe when properly set up behaves very much like a pattern ship, smooth and well behaved. I had no problem with landing gear, but I did crack the fuselage behind the wing trailing edge. Newer product has that area reinforced with fiberglass. Original trim covering is useless, peels off quick. I recovered mine before I ever flew it. I used a YS 110, which suited it perfectly. I crashed mine after a moment's lapse of concentration, but got another. This model is definitely competitive in the lower classes.