gotta reccommend the H9 alpha .40... it worked as a great trainer for me. have a couple other planes since, but that one is still a lot of fun to fly. you might be surprised how capable a trainer can fly. I will give you one word of advice though. if ya buy the alpha .40 ARF, even though there is no mention of it in the instructions, definitely use some epoxy to put the 2 wing halves together during your first assembly of the plane. if ya wonder why, see this thread [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4876737/mpage_1/key_hate%2Cmaiden%2Cmatches/tm.htm]my alpha 40[/link]

it was a great plane to learn the basics on and remains fun to fly after you are confident enough to fly alone.

for what it is worth though, H9 was awesome as far as customer service goes. I sent it back to them in pieces still packed with dirt and they sent me a brand new one no questions asked!!