I have to agree with Fastsky. Although the Kadet Senior flies like a trainer, a hard landing will do considerably more damage because of the delicate frame. An actual cartwheeling during takeoff can result in a rekitting, from what info I have received, so that makes the Kadet Senior considerably less forgiving of mishaps than an actual trainer with plywood sides. I spoke with some folks at a couple clubs back when I was considering one, and they all told me that it's more a utility plane than a beginner's trainer because it has such good lifting capacity. Seniors fly a lot like Telemasters. Some of the more experienced pilots went further to say that it's best as a third plane, after learning how to fly the first low-wing such as a Tiger 2 or 4-Star because "once you crash one of these, be sure to bring a large plastic bag because you're done and you might as well buy a new plane".

My advice would be to get a Nexstar if you like its looks and are willing to pay for the extras. You'll get more of your money's worth from a Hangar 9 Alpha, Hobbico Superstar, or Sig Kadet LT-40. Among all the trainers, I think the Goldberg Eagle 2 ARF is the best looking and offers very good durability, since it has actual windows instead of stickers that can peal. If you are a kit builder, then the Eagle is also among the easiest to build, making success more certain. Goldberg even includes some contour sanders, jigs, and other tools in their beginner kits! I wish you the best of luck.

NorfolkSouthern