Seems to me that in order to form an opinion on the "BEST" trainer one should decide what qualities are desired. After 35 years in the hobby and many students taught here they are in no particular order:

1. Cheap to buy
2. Easy to build or assemble
3. Easy to install stuff like engine and tanks
4. Large enough to see, instructors usually are not 16!
5. Easy to maintain
6. Rugged, able to take lots of bad landings
7. Easily repaired
8. Slow flying, Flat bottom wings are good for this
9. STABLE, Able to recover somewhat on it's own


I personally judge an aircraft by how well it meets these requirements.

I agree with Lightfoot, the Balsa USA Stick 40 is the BEST trainer because it meets all of these.

The Stick 40 costs about $50.00, is VERY easy to build. The engine and tank sit out in the open making for the easiest of ANY aircraft for installation, maintenance and adjustment. It is fairly big and easy to see. It has a flat bottom wing and will fly very slow and land and a near walking speed. The fuselage is made out of hardwood and plywood making it about the most rugged trainer out there. You can even assmble the fuselage with screws making part replacement very easy. It is very stable and will recover from most attitudes by itself.

The downside for your son is:

1. The stick 40 is exceedingly ugly!
2. He will have to build it.

However it is so simple I'll bet he can have it into the air in about the same time as an ARF!!! Remember that everything is in the open, including pushrods, tank nose gear and engine. He could easily spend more time installing everything in an ARF as it takes to build the Stick 40.

And when it is done, he will have the plans and experience to repair the plane if needed!! (item 7)

He should be able to buy the plane, engine, radio and supplies to finish for well under $300, say $250 or less.

I would be interested to learn what other trainer on the market is better when EVERYTHING is considered!