The EasyStar sounds like a sweet setup for a beginner.. I'm looking for something to buy for my dad, who is a real pilot, but not so great when flying my sim, and without a buddybox I had to play hot-potato with my transmitter when letting him fly my .40 mustang at 3 mistakes high... He may prefer the cub mentioned above (I've been eyeing it in the hobby shop) since he's a real pilot and probably wants a "real plane."

One thing that may help you victric is if you are able to fly in the mornings, the wind doesn't pick up until the afternoons usually (at least in normal flying conditions, dunno about the city, or if you're flying IN the city). It may actually make a drastic difference if you've been flying in late afternoons.

Also keep in mind that you may get some wind-spells from this storm brewing off the Atlantic for the next few days.