The votes are in. Some do like the "stick" as a trainer. If it was the best choice for trainers then the manufacturers (and most club instructors) would follow suit. Most find it too maneuverable to be an effective trainer. A fully symmetrical flat wing is just not the best machine in most instances. The most stable plane could also be argued to be a pattern plane or a 35% or larger Extra. Try to land one however is another story. Beginners need time to think and a plane pointed in a direction that has no self righting properties will be a disadvantage to most.

There are those who will train with planes other than a "trainer" and are quite successful. It also depends on the instructor. I am chief fixed wing instructor and have over 15 new pilots on board this season. I need to rely on those who volunteer their time. Not all are as quick on the sticks as I would like. A trainer is a known and most of them fly quite well in the hands of an intermediate pilot.


With nearly 900 sq in of wing but weighing in at only about 5.5-5.75lbs with a BB 46, this plane is probably more stable than the large majority of trainers.

Quote above (in orange) from post by f2racer above.

I disagree with this statement. A stick is not "stable" it is neutrally stable which means it goes in the direction you point it. When learning a plane that will fly from one end of the field to the other without any appreciable input from the pilot is a distinct advantage. A plane that doesn't have these characteristics will be at a disadvantage for the student.

Do I like "sticks"? Absolutely! I own an original Jensen "Das Ugly Stick" that started the craze in the late 60's. Also have a H-9 Ultra Stick 60 and have had most every stick produced at one time or the other.

There are many trainers that are used to train. The .60 size is easier to see and fly for most student pilots. I frankly haven't encountered a bad trainer. I have seen quite a few that weren't assembled properly. One had the CA hinges glued in with "something" and easily parted company of the plane with a very gentle tug. After giving some advise the plane was totaled the next flying session (with another instructor at the controls) when the wing failed. There was little evidence of glue applied to the wing joiner. Of course the blame was made on the manufacturer. Following directions never came to mind.

Just some thoughts. Again I hope this helps.
Bill