Newbie question alert!

I'm looking to buy my first plane. I've been looking at the various trainer kits available, bu am still undecided. I came across this setup on a local club's website. Is this a good deal? I particularly concerned about the radio, as I cannot find much information on it. Thanks in advance for your help.

Description
Complete system includes: Cessna Trainer Model by H9, Futaba Radio Conrol Skysport-6A, 6 Channel Mod FP-6VA, S3033 Servos, Thunder Tiger Gp-42 Engine and fuel can with pump. Ready to fly, includes everything for one cheap price. First $275.00 takes it!

-Jim Baldwin

Well, the price would be right on that... my recomendation is the h9 alpha. I've flown several of these with students and they're by far one of the best setup's I've flown. I've never flown the cessna trainer, so I can't comment on that one. It will really just come down to your preference.The only major difference is that the alpha has a slightly more powerful engine... it will make a world of difference if you're taking off from a grass runway.

What about the radio? Any comments on it?

Here's my thoughts.... you really don't need a 6 channel radio, espically with a trainer. In my experience, when you get into planes that require more then 4 channels, you're going to want a computer radio for the mixing options. You really can't do all the cool setups on the skysport 6. but like i said, it all comes down to your preference.

The one advantage of having a 6 - channel radio is that it has some features that are not available on the average 4 - channel radios such a dual rates. Dual rates can be a real benefit to a beginner. If the difference in price is minimal, which it sometimes is, go with the 6 - channel for this reason alone.

however, dual rates do not transfer over to a buddy box. So you have can do all the setup, but when you're learning, it won't do you any good...

Aside from the 6 channel vs. 4 channel, would I be hurting myself by buying this particular brand of radio? I'm not sure what is meant by a computer radio and mixing options.

Futaba is one of the top three or four radios in the US, if not the world. Probably to top seller in the US.

The deal you're considering is probably okay. I don't know about the Cessna trainer either though. I also agree that you don't need six channels now, and once you do, you'll probably want a computer radio.

You can also buy one of the RTF trainer packages with plane, engine, and radio gear for around $300 new, so.... Your call.
Dennis-

OK, let me ask this then. Am I better off buying one of the trainer kits that is all inclusive for around the same money and save my money for something bigger and better later?

Oh, and thanks for all the information guys. I'm glad that I found this site.

If it is the Cessna Semi-scale (stand Waaay back scale) from hangar 9 then the plane is pretty decent, on par with the Hobbico Avistar. If it is the scale Cessna, then you dont want to try to learn with it.

If you want a deal you just cant beat,
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towa21.html
Tower has their RTF trainer for a great price. Same cost as the other you were looking at, but you get all NEW stuff, and a better engine ( Ball bearings vs. bushings in the GP-42).

You will be able to use that radio for many planes. You don't need a computer radio for a first, but I wouldn't suggest buying a cheap 4 ch. Why limit yourself. You might make an offer and see if you can get him down at all, but if it is all in good shape, it isn't too far off on price. You could do a lot worse. Have your instructor check it out for you and make sure the plane is sound.

First $275.00 takes it!

"but if it is all in good shape, it isn't too far off on price"

New $300.00 vs Used $275.00

I don't know about you but $25.00 bucks off wouldn't make me buy used over new.

Baldwin,

Since you are new to this I'd recommend sticking with new gear unless you know the seller. To easy to get stuck with over priced junk and not even know it at this stage of the game.

Just my $.02