It seems to be pretty common for people to think that they can pick a plane and fly it. I mean, you CAN, but it will be destroyed before you ever learn to fly correctly. Flying is A LOT harder than many might think.

I've heard good things about the Tower trainers though I have never flown one. I learned on a PT-40 and it is a great plane. (no pun intended)

You may even consider the Debonair . It would be very durable and you could build it yourself cheap.