I just ran across something new in the Horizon summer 2008 catalog:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=EFL2725

The Apprentice is a 4-channel electric RTF trainer package with a brushless power system and a Spektrum DX5e radio system all for $299.99 suggested street price. It's not too small, either, boasting a 58" wingspan (the Hobbico Avistar has a 59" span).

This might be a really good choice for student pilots who'd prefer electric. At $299, however, it's not exactly a bargain considering that it's an all-foam airframe. This will be interesting to see.

Considering it has all components already installed and it is ready to fly, I'd say it is a pretty good deal.

I like it alot.

If this is of the same design and build quality as Horizon's T-28, they will have a winner on their hands.

Guys,

The Apprentice is an awesome-flying airplane! At 40-45 oz and 525 sq. in. of wing area, that makes a wing loading of just 11-12 oz/sq. ft., which makes it a real floater. On the stock 3200 pack, you can easily fly for 12 minutes, and even longer if you're just putting around at training speeds.

Same foam as the T-28 so it will be rugged & easy to repair. We've gone with a polycarbonate firewall that's almost indestructible. The motor is similar to the T-28's, but just a little bigger. Very quiet and powerful.

I hope you like it.

David Eichstedt
Horizon Hobby