N190YX wrote:Disagree about a Sonex/Waiex taildragger not being a good candidate for training. With the positive control of the tailwheel, they are not squirrelly but have very positive directional control (with the tailwheel on the ground). So stable compared to the Cessna 170 (taildragger) I used to own.
I agree with this. Definitely a forgiving machine.
I would say it is not the ideal trainer for everybody. Very light controls. My kid is doing well with them but will probably be ruined for flying any spam cans. Also, it is a very tight cockpit. Whoever is not flying has to pull their inside hand away from the throttle so the other person can work it. You can see that on all our pattern videos. Also the aircraft is very light in pitch and very easy to have excursions in airspeed on final. The light controls will be no problem for a helicopter jock.
On the other hand, I think my kid will have an easy time in a Cessna when he finishes his rating. And the low power of the Aerovee is awesome for training. You have to know your performance, plan your takeoffs, and fly your speeds accurately.
We burn about 2gph in the pattern - that's almost free!
Cross country in calm conditions is awesome. The airplane trims up hands off, at least for moments at a time. In bumpy conditions you have to work hard. That's also good training.
So I think it is good, but not the perfect trainer for everybody.