Hi Grex,

I`ve just now come across your post...

As a starter to this great hobby upwards of thirty years ago I asked just that same question then. At that time I took the advice of a then wise old instructor and ordered a set of plans from RCM for the Chuck Cunningham designed 'Instructor'. After all this time and an awful lot of rc model experience along the way I applaud that advice and would go down the same track again.

I looked on the RCM site listed earlier here and not really surprised to see this plan still listed - ref plan #177. Those modellers who have been around for a while will confirm that the designer, the late Chuck Cunningham, was one of the hobby`s all time great designers.

The model itself is maybe not the prettiest to look at, but is very much a timeless and extremely practical trainer design. It is a straightforward build using balsa, some plywood, and covered with plastic film, involving building techniques still commonly used today. It is a no-nonsence 4 function model - mine was powered with an OS 40FSR which I still use from time to time.

You will need a good instructor with a buddybox to learn how to fly it, but once mastered, and wrung out, it will still be easily capable of winning today`s sportsman aerobatic schedules. and that would be just the start.

I can`t recommwend this design more highly as a trainer - have a look at it......

All the best.

Alan W