IMHO it is easy to repair, especially on trainers given how they are built.

If you do too much damage, you can purchase the major components seperately.

However one of the nice things about a plane of this size is that you will find it relatively easy to keep it in one piece.

The key to all of this will be your instructor.

This plane lends itself to a buddy box ( another reason it's a good choice ) so an instructor can take you up and give you directions.

It will practically land itself, yet still be something fun for you to haul out to the field when you feel like it, long after you have certified.

Since you have various battery options, you will be able to either keep the battery costs down, or leverage LiPo selections to encompass your next electric. Second party batteries will work just fine.

It's a big easy to see plane that can deal with moderate winds with aplomb.

To the more advanced set it may seem a bit slow and almost underpowered, but once you upgrade the batteries it is practically a sports plane. You'll want to leave things as is when you start out though.

BTW: I've not found the default setup to be underpowered, but I have seen new pilots not do a couple of things which this plane needs.

1 - Fully charge the batteries, especially the initial "forming" charge... go a little long on the charge.
2 - Cycle the batteries. Those NiMH's seem to hold their voltage levels better after a few cycles.
3 - Recalibrate the throttle every time the battery is plugged in.

You are supposed to do the latter each time, but a lot of people don't seem to understand what the instructions are asking for.