Originally Posted by
Hydro Junkie
I would agree with a lot of what you just posted. That said, there's a problem with learning to fly a plane that doesn't use ailerons:
The student doesn't learn to use the rudder or coordinate their turns.
This may not be an issue with many planes but there are aerobatic, 3D, scale and warbirds that REQUIRE the use of the rudder. Granted, even the Sig Kadet had versions that don't use ailerons, the Jr being one I'm familiar with. The instructions actually say to plug the rudder servo into the aileron slot so you get the "feel" of using ailerons. A high dihedral trainer, such as the Kadet or your stick trainer fly fine with that set up. Now, move on to a low wing aircraft, say an Astro Hog. It's not nearly as stable as the trainers so the pilot will be spending more time trying to keep the plane flying using the ailerons when they weren't taught that with said trainer. They were taught that the ailerons were used to "turn" the plane, not keep the plane upright or coordinate the turns like they are now trying to do. Just a thought to ponder
I don't know about that, better to leave the rudder where it is learn to fly rudder only. when you have ailerons you can teach yourself how to fly with them. Moving them to the aileron channel you will have to re-learn to stear all over with the rudder channel. I have practiced a lot learning to fly just about everything I have ever owned on rudder only. While test flying a buddies large biplane it stopped responding to ailerons luckily I was able to right it with rudder and gently guide it back to the field and get it safely on the ground. The servo arms had fallen off both aileron servos. Metal gear no locktite and failure to tighten the screws properly. I dont think switching channels is a good idea to many wrong things to unlearn.