I have had the Alpha 40 RTF for about 5 months and it was my first gas plane. Started on the hobbyzone piper cub and progressed up a bit. As said previously the flight sim. that comes with the Alpha does use the transmitter and gives you a basic understanding of controls for the plane. Used that for a few days and then went to the field with an experienced instructor and buddy box. Took 3 days at the field to get checked off. Easy plane to fly and land. Also check this link out to Hangar 9's page. This is the gear frame that I used to replace the stock wire crap. Works 10 times better and lands smoother too!

http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Def...?ProdID=HAN140

Good luck, Bobby









http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Def...?ProdID=HAN140