I have to disagree (as usual). I've had a couple trainers after I learned to fly and I'm still unclear why a trainer makes good trainers. They bounce all over the sky like a rag doll. Unless the theory is to teach somebody on the worst plane so they can handle anything, I don't get it. A low wing sport plane is the way to go. A lot of low wing planes can fly slow too and respond much better to contol inputs. I've flown a few and seen a lot of trainers, and they pitch and roll when and if they feel like it. So a trainer recovers hands-off... so what, does that ever happen anyway? I agree that's too much engine and a big cost risk but the UCD does fly pretty darn slow and all the helicopter guys spend plenty of money already so I don't see why not.

Personally I think a rudder/elevator only .15 size is the best. The controls are just about as simple as you can get and plenty of stability with all thet dehedral. This is what my buddy taught me on 15 years ago and I was flying on my own in less than an hour. He still did the landing for me for a couple days. Still even better is a Gentle Lady (or like) with and electric motor. Not a plane but it still teaches the same hand-eye coordination required.

IMHO marketting guys and hobbie shops sell poorly designed trainers and 99% of the people out there buy their BS because it's a "trainer".

Mike