I am going to be starting with a Super Sportster 60, OS61-FX, Futaba 6EXA. I realize this is a little advanced for a beginner with ZERO solo time, however, it might be noteable that my soon to be instructor (35+ yrs. exp.) says I am a natural and even let me fly his plane some. I guess what I am seeking is and advice I can get from the r/c public before I take the controls.
Be gentle, I bruise easy.[sm=bananahead.gif]

UMMM HOW DOS HE KNOW YOUR A NATURAL. IF YOU NEVER HAD THE TX BEFORE BUT . THAT SHOULD BE A OK TRAINER I LEARNED ON THE OLD YARD DART FUN FLY.

Prophanger,

By saying "ZERO solo time" I meant that I have yet to T/O or land a plane. I do have stick time though. I flew his J3-Cub for 30-40 min. before he took it back for fuel concerns. By "natural" I feel he was referring to my abilitly to change control reference when the plane is coming at me or going away from me. I have every confidence in my ability to handle this airplane. (If I didn't I would be insane to even try considering the amount of cash invested so far)[sm=spinnyeyes.gif]

The only thing I would suggest would be to maybe put some 4 0r 5 inch black stripes on the wing tips (top or bottom only) to make orientation easier.

You mean like this

There ya go!

The super sportster 60 is a great flying plane. However as you noted it is not generally considered a trainer. It is easy to fly and you shouldn't have much trouble flying it other than it is probably much faster than the trainer your used to. I estimate my SS60 with a ST75 out front to do around 70 mph. The area where I would see the most problem would be with landings. Landings are probably the most difficult area for beginners to learn anyways, and flying something like the the SS requires more throttle during landings than most trainers do. This just complicates the issue slightly.

Have fun.

hehe....so do this RC planes!
I say go for it and have fun! Best of luck and Welcome to the world of RC.

And dont forget to finish up the right aileron with a stripe as well[8D][8D][8D]

Zimbo,

Check the pic of the bottom again, see the strip of chrome on the right aileron? It may be glared over by the camera flash

I say your doing the right thing!! I know trainers have their purpose, but I think the shoud be called slow flying, sluggish, that in no way will prepare you for your second plane planes! I started with an LT 40, learned how to fly it, got bored, built a somethin extra, and realized I should have started with this plane in the first place. My trainer tought me nothing (but basic orientation) that carries over to a tail dragger. IMO, a trainer dosen't prepare a person for a mid or low wing plane thats a good bit faster, and handles a ton better.

I agree with cde0214 your doing the right thing, no need to go backwards, if your that good already and you have a good instructor
A Super Sportster is just what the doctor ordered. I went from an Ace high glider to MEN trainer to Full house .25 to a Sportster .60 all in the space of one summer. I did all that because we had such a good club and I had an excellent instructor.

I and my buddies took a 12 year old kid who didnt own a plane he just hung out at the field and we started teaching him on what ever plane we had that was avialable, Robin hood 80 with a Brison 2.0, Extra 230 with a 108 a Sig Clipped wing Cub OS 120. He even flew at an IMAA ralley (on a buddy box of course).

So go for it. The only thing I would remind you about is Sportsters dont like to spin. At least ones that are a tad nose heavy.
If you do get stuck in a spin pull power off stop the spin add power fly out.

Good Luck

JDS