I see this opinion a lot when speaking of 2 and 3 channel airplanes, and I'd really hate to see someone get discouraged thinking that their new 3 channel foamy can't teach them the basics of flight. Learning takeoffs, landings, and managing airspeed to maintain lift so the plane doesn't drop like a rock is what I've always viewed as learning the "basics" of flight. On my radio, that 4th channel is ailerons. Handy for leveling the wings, but on trainer type planes with lots of dihedral they're hardly a necessity. And I certainly wouldn't go so far as to say that you won't learn the basics of flight without them.

Not trying to pick fights. I just wanted to point out that the "basics" of flight can be learned on any plane. When you look at the recommended alternatives to the super cub, you've got to double or even triple the cost just to get your feet wet. The super cub is a great way to get started and is a perfectly acceptable starter plane. I got started on one, learned a lot, and progressed to bigger and better planes. If it wasn't for the good folks at hobbyzone, I bet there would be a lot fewer new members showing up on these boards and at the local clubs. I know I wouldn't be here without the super cub.

Josh