RE: Alpha 40 Trainer
I bought an Alpha 60 RTF and it came with simulator software too! It allows you to plug in the supplied radio and practise on your PC...
I self taught on the Alpha on skiis and it was alot of fun. It has since been swapped over to the wheels and is still alot of fun to fly. Be aware that the nose gear bracket is pretty weak and you might just as well get a Du-Bro replacement to install.
The airplane is very stable and forgiving. It can fly very slow or it can be wrung out and flown thru some aerobatic maneuvers. Quality is good and durability seems good too.