I have seen my share of inquiries here about what some novices prefer after having learned on a trainer. The primary and secondary trainers recommended are quite obviously spelled out in Ken's list. What I'm looking for here, though, are some of the most challenging and demanding planes to fly, even when properly set up and balanced, that are currently in production. They would be the ones you would least recommend, that would not mandate a turbine waiver. Electric or glow, it's all game. Why not have some fun?

I could begin with my Tango 40. Although it may look a lot like a trainer, it's a taildragger with close elevator and rudder coupling. Response is quick and can be a little twitchy. Ground handling can either be a wrestling match (I had to repair the fuselage after the first maiden attempt), or an easy greased takeoff depending on the wind, humidity, and other variables. It's like Forest Gump's box of chocolates. Once it's up, getting back in one piece is easy as long as you can fly by reflex and you don't have to think before you move the sticks, sort of like riding a bicycle. Its that one little critter that still makes me a little nervous when I take it out, even though I have no problem handling my scale Citabria and Great Planes Rapture 40. It's still an unbeatable blast in flight, and its personality only adds to the charm .

So, on a good day when you want "a little shot of that whisky", what would be the snarliest, meanest tempered little critter that bites the hardest without letting go in your collection? I am sure some of us have a skeleton or two in the closet. Inspiring Sig Wonder owners want to know!

NorfolkSouthern