G'day all

I learned to fly at the age of 40. I was badly taught. Wrong plane, wrong teacher. It was all wrong. After a couple of months I could fly a circuit and about that time my instructor sort of lost interest in me and wandered off to teach the latest newcomer. As result, I was never taught to land, I was never taught what the rudder was for and I could only turn left.

After several years, many models and much distress I eventually came to the Sig Kadet Senior. The kit version with no ailerons. With a small four stroke (40 - 56) I had a model which I could fly and land and not be stressed out.

Yes, I know it does not like cross winds but with enough power ( and it does not need to be much) you can take off across most strips).

Yes, it does take a bit of building but it is not complicated and it is easy to turn out a good flying model.

Yes, it is not very aerobatic but you would be surprised what it will do.

It is very stable, will fly well in quite windy conditions, will recover its self if you get totally mixed up (so long as you have some height) and take off and landings are relatively easy and stress free.

Powered by a 40 four stroke it is very docile, a 56 is just about perfect and a 70 is just nicely overpowered. I currently have three which have 56, 70 and 82 engines in them though the 82 is just temporary and it will eventually get its 62 back.

I use my Kadets to teach old blokes like me. I also use them to give newcomers a taste of RC flying and a few flights until they buy their own equipment. I find that youngsters quickly get the hang of the Kadet but soon want something more. Middle age learners handle the Kadet well and appreciate it but eventually move on to more exciting things and older blokes like the Kadet for its relaxing style.

One of my older learners has recently built one from a plan so it can be done without a kit. It flies well too.

Perhaps your friend should consider a nice gentle monster like the Kadet Senior?

But what your friend needs most is to recognise and accept his limitations. Only then will he start to make progress. Sadly, it is sometimes very difficult for some people to come to these realisations.