I was wondering what anyone thinks about the Greatplanes PT-40. Is it a good plane for a first time user?

I built the PT40 for my trainer. I liked it. It is easy to fly and very forgiving. It also held up well to several minor crashes and hard landings. PDuck

P.S. My last 3 planes have been Great Planes kits.

I've built & flow a bunch of their kits and really think they are great. For a first plane however I would recomend
the SIG LT-40. Both planes are good but i think the LT is a step up & builds a little easier.

Thanks!!!! I was also wondering if anyone has heard of a Expert radio? Should i just get a Futaba or will this expert work for the Trainer?

I believe the Expert radios haven't been made in a LONG time.... If that radio is as old as ithink it has to be, it would need to be verified to be narrow band modified, and the batteries should be checked to be certain they are still good. (Batteries won't be good if they are the originals and the radio as over 10 yrs old as I expect it to be. First replacement set would be about due to go bad already.)

If the old system needs batteries, and modificatio to meet current FCC regulations... it would be cheaper to buy a new system. If its still functional, good batteries and has the gold sticker, there's no problem using it. I'm using a 14 year old Futaba system that's been Narrow band modified. (The old Futaba is about to be retired though... TX case is falling apart.)

I learned to fly on a PT-40 ARF. It was a great trainer.....had many successful flights on it, and it's quite durable, as P Duck mentioned. I don't have any experience with other trainers, but I agree with daveo, the LT-40 would be another great choice.