I totalled my balsa trainer the other day and I am trying to decide if I want to get the same plane again or get a more durable trainer. I was reading a post and someone mentioned that the aircore is a very durable trainer. Does anyone know how long it takes to build or if it comes as an arf? I could only find it as a kit and I don't have any kit building experience. If anyone knows anything about this plane I would appreciate it if they told me more about it.

It only comes as a kit. It's much easier to build than a balsa kit, but I'd say more difficult than the typical balsa ARF (not that I've ever built an ARF!). Building the plane is very straight forward, with the exception of the folding the wing part. Usually, it will just work, and you'll have a nice wing. Sometimes, though, you line up the wing edges, and the wing is warped. You need to unglue the wing, and start over, which is a hassle. This is all covered in the instructions. Other than that, it's mostly just following the instructions, gluing and folding. Be sure to watch the video (several times) because there are steps covered well in the video that are either not covered, or not covered well in the manual.

I would say 30 or 40 hours from box to ready to fly. As with any kit, a lot of that time is waiting for glue to dry, etc. Plan on a BB .46 to give you enough power, since it's a relatively heavy plane for the size.

If you are a little more adventurous in your building, you could build a Spad Debonair, which will fly about the same. For the cost of the Aircore kit, you could build several Debonairs, but you'll have to get past the gluing hurdle. In my opinion, the Aircore is a bit more durable, but both are so much more durable than wood planes that it's not worth debating.

Luke-

I remembered seeing your name from your previous post, "Thinking of Teacing Myself." You may wish to read my saga at http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_19...tm.htm#1988037. I had some similar experiences. I don't in any way blame you for giving it a go and I commend your willingness to share your experience. I do, however, encourage you to try to at least hook up with an instructor for a couple of sessions. I can tell you a couple of training sessions made all the difference for me. I'm enjoying not experiencing the horrible feeling of disappointment after totalling a plane.

That said, if you want something not balsa for durability, I highly recommend building a SPAD Debonair. Detailed instructions at www.spadtothebone.com. The materials you buy will give you enough to make two or three planes. I just got my Debonair back out after a few months of learning on my Kadet. It actually didn't fly that bad. It's quite a bit heavier than the Kadet, but that helped when I flew it in about a 15 knot wind. It's also quite a bit more aerobatic. I built mine as a taildragger, which works well for grass fields.

Well, best of luck!

I agree that trying a SPAD may be the way to go, however that is assuming you just have to teach yourself. An instructor is all but a requirement in learning to fly. Good luck, and above all, be safe.