Stability Augmentation definitely has its place and not just for the purposes Gray Beard mentioned Although I do agree completely with its use in that way.

Sometimes I am saddened by threads that tend to trample down SAS by the 'macho factor'.

I first used this type of augmentation about twelve years ago, The ship had Magnum .28's and the hobbico single axis piezo gyro, the reason was help on takeoffs of my Quad Kadet for just seconds and what would happen is if one wanted to do those nice slow throttle up takeoffs the airplane was about impossible to keep in a straight line. Originally it was necessary to have someone hold the tail and only release after half throttle was reached. That little gyro has a lot of time on it and is still in the airplane today working beautifully. The airplane is on its second set of engines now which are OS 25fx and with those the need kinda went away but its still there and working well.

Now I just got an eagle tree 3 axis in hand today as well a Who Knows 3 axis from hong kong and plan to experiment with both for possible use In my current project another Kadet for long distance over water flight line of sight (not first person view) in a small boat in the ocean and likely very rolly polly conditions. A little augmentation will be most welcome.

Last year I completed a long flight on the colrado river and it was quite a ride at times the little jet boat had me flying the airplane rolled over on my side hanging on to the tranny and flying the airplane, The boat driver more than once had to grab by the arm an pull me back upright agine. A little bit of augmentation would have been most welcome.

Now I also must state that since this is benginners forum that no SAS has no place in flight training and in fact I am dead set aginst that. but it does have it uses and nothing to do with being macho or not.

John