I don't have a plane yet but was looking at either the Tower Trainer 40 or GP PT-40. Any opinions on either. Thanks, Very New Boy

I don't know much about either one of them. I learned on an Avistar. Loved that trainer. It is a semi-symetrical airfoil, so it'll do some aerobatics too. Something to look into if you don't want to get sick of your trainer after you get pretty proficient at flying it.

I didn't learn on either... they weren't DESIGNED yet. [X(]

I have given lessons to a bunch of beginners using each. They are both decent, relatively inexpensive trainers. If I had to chose one over the other, Id get the PT-4 and I'd get the kit of either in preference to the ARF versions. (but I like to build... )

I think the PT-40 ARF is just a bit more rugged than the Tower ARF. Not a lot... but enough. The Avistar... is in between on ruggedness, a little superior on aerobatic ability, not quite as stable. (but you always trade stability for aerobatic ability) All 3 are GOOD!

Its kind of like comparing a red Chevy to a white one to a brown one... All the same model, all the same year, one has the power windows (others manual), one has auto transmssion (others manual), one has the CD player. There's not MUCH difference, but you can find it.

Get the Hobbico Avistar. The other planes that have the flat bottom wings won't be as good in windy conditions as the Avistar. I've trained pilots that brought out the flats and semi's; the ones with the Avistars seemed to have an easier time learning the glide path and letting it settle in without ballooning from wind gusts.

I learned on the PT 40 and it's a great trainer, but most trainers today are pretty equal.
Dennis-

I got a Tower Hobbies for Christmas and so far I am loving it :-) Not having flown anything else though I can't compare it to anything else, but it seems fine for learning.

I took it out with a friend for some lessons and solo'd on the 2nd time out.

My only critisism is that it seems to get too squirly on take off, but this may just be that I am still learning with the rudder control and sensitivity.

Rudder/nosewheel control problems... usually its the linkage to the front wheel.

The tricycle landing gear is VERY sensitive to a small movement of the nosewheel. Its ALMOST... "if you can see the wheel turn its too much." Put the pushod in the hole furthest from the strut (if possible) at the nosewheel, and put it as close to center of the servo wheel as possible. You will still have more than enough nosewheel control.

I have made an SUPER long steering arm for a nosewheel out of a wheel collar, a section of all-thread rod (4-40 fits most wheel collars for nosewheeels) and a plastic piece intended for an aileron torque rod. with a 2 1/2 inch steering arm, and the pushrod in the hold closest to center at the servo, I could still do circles under 15 ft dia either direction. That is as tight a turn as you should need, and makes taxi practice much easier.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am already on the closest in hole at the servo, and the control horn only has one hole right at the end. Mind you, compared to your 2 1/2 inches, I think my control horn on the nose wheel is just an inch.

I've found if I just go to full throttle straight away on take off and hold some up elevator I seem to avoid the point where the steering becomes almost unsontrollable, so I guess I can avoid the problem, but I might look into replacing that control horn on the nose wheel following your instructions.

Thanks!

Learned on and continue to fly an Avistar. A bit hotter trainer than others, especially with a 46 up front. You`ll learn how to come in hot with it, which isn`t all bad if you move on to other planes that need to carry a bit more speed on landing. I think it`s terrific.

my choice would be the PT 40,but either will get the job done.

I learned on a PT-40. Of the 2 without any doubt- PT-40.

Mark Shuman

Make the right choice, Extra Easy 2 by Hangar 9, you will not regret it. I promise.

i also dont know those planes but if your building (and i sugest you do) id go with a sig trainer kit such as the lt 25, lt 40 or mark II, senior, senioreta ect. they are the best building kits ive ever had and by far the most precisly cut with excelent instructions, some one who has NO wood working skills at all could build a sig trainer!

I agree with Balsa, Sigs are trully trainers, not hot rods with a dihedral wing. I learned on a Seniorita as did the 2 guys who taught me and I have taught many others to fly on mine. I have see guys with Alphas, Towers, extra easys and so on that just couldn't get it and usually piled them up before learning, I turned them loose with my Seniorita, now they are pilots.