Hi, I want to get a plane that looks good and has a respectable size too. I know what's out there but I cant make my mind up on which one. Please help me out. Thanks, Gary.

Gotta tell us what type of planes YOU like and what type of flying YOU aspire to do. 3D aerobatics, scale Aerobatics, Warbirds, Bi-Planes, Golden Age. You will find the bulk of any one fliers efforts are in one of these categories.

As far as size goes. Again, it's relative. What are you used to seeing at YOUR field? To some people a .40 size is a huge plane to others it's entry level. Even still some .40 sized cubs have the same wingspan as a 40 cc warbird. For you, does size equate to wingspan or engine displacement?

IMHO, there are plenty of capable and likeable planes in the .40 size range (engine displacement). There seems to be a great deal of manufacturer focus in this size as opposed to any other. You have more choices here.

A close second is the giant scale class (IMAA legal classes). That is, 80" wingspans and/or 1/5 scales. Great choices here also.

Don't get too carried away by thoughts of a really high performance 2nd plane (this includes warbirds). While it is your money, you will waste it by buying something too "hot" for you to handle (I'm not insulting your abilities -- I have seen many new pilots dig holes with advanced 2nd planes). You will learn a great deal from something conventional, but capable, like a Hobbico Avistar. It looks a bit plain, but it will have more capability than yourself for quite a while.

When you can squeeze everything that there is to squeeze from an Avistar (or something similar), you will be ready to spend your hard-earned bucks on some hot rod or warbird.

Jet,

I'm with BritBrat. Get an Avistar and put a powerful engine on it like an OS .46 FX or AX, or a Saito .72 and wear it out. The Avistar is really closer to a sholder wing plane than most trainers, so it flies more like a "sports" plane than a trainer if you power it up with more than an .40LA.

If you must have something sportier, get something like a Tower Kaos or World Models Super Sports ( bargain and quick assembly ) with a simular engine to those mentioned above.

Gary,
First, you need to tell us what you had as a first plane. It makes a difference if it was a Firebird/ Aerobird or Avistar type.

Hey guys. To answer some of your questions, you normally see 60 size or bigger planes in my club. I'd like to have something with the engine exposed, no cowl, basic aerobatics, and something that is a little faster than the average trainer. I'm not looking for anything thats too advanced but I want something that can push things a little. Right now I have an Avistar, Superstar, NexStar, and a Hangar 9 60 size trainer. Hope I answered some of your questions. Thanks, Gary.

After reading your requirments, I think the Ultra Stik, Big Stik or any stik for that matter is what you are looking for. A stik is versitle?(sp) and simple. It does not have a cowl and you can fly the heck out of them and they keep coming back for more. I know some poeple think they are ugly but I have seen some very nice looking ones and I even learned to fly on one.

For a SECOND plane, take a good look at the 4 Star 60. It is low wing, an aerobatic trainer, is forgiving and lands at a low speed. Another possibility is the Tiger II - same specs as above.

Either an Ultra Stick 40 or 60 are the perfect second plane. A lot of fun to fly and very easy to land. Build it with the quad flaps and it will keep you entertained for years.