Ethics? In retail? Surely you jest!

But seriously, every store is as different as it's owner/employees.

Are there some hobby shops out there who just want to make a quick sale? You bet there are. The same goes for Electronic stores, Computer stores, hell, even grocery stores (They advertise "Fresh" Alaskan Salmon in Florida don't they?)

In the case of a hobby shop owner who willingly sold a Corsair to a beginner, all I can say is, "I would never spend another dime in his store"

As for the Kid who only knew cars and thought the aerobird was a good trainer because he was TOLD it was... Well, chalk that up to buying an encyclopedia at a toy store. But if you look around, there are some great hobby shops out there.

I feel very close to this discussion because I am caught in the middle. I'm the guy who has to listen to the manufacturer's hype, and then test the product and report back to YOU.

When the Mustang PTS came out, I was outraged. For years I have been right along with you telling newbies that they can NOT start out with a P-51. Then H-9 goes and says, "Sure you can!".

So I read up on it. Ok, it had Flaps, speed breaks, and "What's this?" Wing droops to improve lift. Ok, now I'm curious

Shortly after it was announced, it was on the list of planes we had available for review - I jumped at the chance. I wanted to see FIRST HAND if this thing was any good. I had a young man who had no prior airplane experience assemble it (I showed him points in the instructions when I wanted him to call me in to shoot pictures. Aside from shooting pictures, I was out of the room). He completed assembly in about an hour as I recall. So it passed the first test.

It comes with a Flight Simulator, which I gave him to take home and practice with (After I had given him some brief lessons)

A few weeks later (We don't live very close and getting together wasn't easy) we went out to the field and flew it.

Is it a basic trainer? NO

Can someone buy it and fly it? NO

Is it a good plane to start out with? In my opinion, YES* (*For MOST people). And I will explain why

Times have changed greatly over the years and today's generation of Nintendo kids have long ago mastered the hand/eye coordination that was one of this sport's biggest (early) stumbling blocks. Many years ago I discovered that I preferred teaching newbies with what would be considered an "intermediate" trainer because most of them pick it up so quickly that they get bored with a basic trainer (And I get bored watching them).

Now I realize that there are basic principles involved in flying. But I also recall learning drafting by hand in order to do CAD designs on a computer. Yes, I learned some basic principles - like drawing a straight line, how to avoid making the line too long, how to properly erase the line if it got too long, etc. NONE of these things apply to drafting on a computer! (Note: Before you jump on me and say,"Aerodynamic principles always apply blah blah blah" I know. I'm just making a point. If someone wanted me to teach them how to use Photoshop, I wouldn't require them to master Pen and Ink drawing first)

Ok, so now someone asks me to teach them how to fly and asks me what plane to get. Would I recommend the Mustang? Yes. I have seen first hand that it is a quality plane, it has a good engine, and a good radio that you can eventually use 5-channels with for the flaps.

IS it the ONLY plane I would recommend? No. My favorite trainer is the Tiger II, but you have to get all of the accessories with it (Engine/Radio)

And just for the record. I also stepped up to review the Raptor-22 PTS

It flies easier than the Mustang, and comes with a great engine and 6-channel computer radio for $450! I think it is a fabulous deal.

Should you buy it and fly it? NO

A final note: I have flown that Super Cub too. It is by far the easiest and if someone HAD to fly without instruction, that would be what I would recommend (But I would also recommend a sim)