No disrecspect to our fellow pilots, but I have a lot of experience with U CAN Dos and I say it again, and I know this from personal experience.... that with the elevator deflection set at about 8-10 degrees, the ailerons at about 12-15 degrees and the cg at 4 7/8 the UCD is as, if not more, gentle than any trainer except something like a Kadet Senior. It will fly slower and land as easy as a nexstar or lt 40,, and its all but impossible to stall. I think this holds true for a lot of the fat wing long fuselage 3D/Sport planes like the UCD.

I know this because I have personally witnessed it with new pilots. I've never actually trained anyone with a UCD( I would in a heartbeat if its what the student wanted to learn on a BB with) but I have seen them make the U CAN DO their second plane within weeks of soloing, and love it. It is MORE gentle than a 4 star or a Somethin Extra if setup right. The big surfaces only matter WHEN YOU CRANK UP THE RATES. At low deflection they are insignificant.

Now all of this hinges on the instructor and the pilot. If the instructor is worth their salt and teaches the student to be truly proficient in basic skills, is sure that the trainee has passed the point of getting disoriented when the plane is coming at them and has made SURE that the trainee can takeoff and land competantly (not by the seat of your pants, high five, "Whew you got it down" landings) the U CAN DO will make a fine second, 3rd and 4th plane when the pilot is ready to move on.

Conversely, if you are flying solo,,, and as happens too often,,,,your instructor cut you loose still struggling with orientation, and you typically come to a stop nose down, in the weeds or bounce 15 times before the plane stops as everyone exhales,,,, the U CAN DO may not be good for you.

Mike