I just flew my Sig Cap 231 for the first time last Saturday. I was really nervous about taking it up, but I didn't need to be. First of all, it tracked very straight down the run way and took off in about 200 feet with 1/2 throttle (Saito 150). I'm used to small warbirds and the heavy rudder management required during take off, but this plane required almost now rudder input. A little up elevator and right aileron trim and it was flying hands off straight and level. I did notice that the plane is very pitch sensitive so I was glad that I set-up the elevator low rate at about 75% of the low rate recommendation indicated by Sig in the instruction manual; therefore, I only used about 7/8" travel on the elevator on the initial flight. I set-up the aileron travel the same way about 75% of the low rate recommendation. During typical maiden and initial flights, I tend to over-correct due to nervousness, so I usually dial back the throws until I get comfortable and used to a plane.

I was really surprised at how well this plane flew. I could do good knife edge's at 1/2 throttle. Also landings were a breeze. I kept throttle on until I made the threshold of the flight line and then cut it to idle. I kept the nose slightly down until about 1 foot off the ground and then flared. This thing did a great 3-point landing. All I could think about when I was taxiing back to the pits was that I loved the way this plane flew. I couldn't find any bad habits.

I hope this helps.

-Matt