While I was learning to fly, I used a Magnum XLS .46 on 2 different trainers, A Tower ARF and a PT-40. The PT is lighter than the Tower. I only got the Tower due to a crash so I could keep flying until I repaired the PT-40. I never flew much above 1/2 throttle while I was learning so I think the LA 40 will be OK. The Magnum was/is very reliable and cost me 60.00. I bought it during a holiday sale but they are now advertised at that price. By the way, the PT-40 (took out some of the diehedral) flew fine on a FP-40. Only problem is, what will you do with the LA 40 when you are good enough to move to a quicker, more agile plane. One more thing...the Tower will start losing it's trim pieces (the red, blue and yellow) almost immediately.