from my observations, i think that the sonic is not a good trainer. it's not that it doesn't fly like a trainer but that it isn't so robust.

flying wise, i've helped a few people get down on windy days when their nerves were a little on edge and found that it flies just like a trainer should. however, everytime i see someone gently crash the plane, it seems like the plane explodes. the most recent was when someone had already landed but rolled off the side of the runway. no one thought anything of it. we were surprised when he back and the firewall had ripped completely off and the front sides of the fuse were torn. when wings hit things they really just crumble.

on the other hand, it is by far the most popular trianer here by at least a factor of two. it flies well and is inexpensive. but if it were up to me, i'd choose a more robust low wing trainer like a WM Supersport, which i've seen take a lot of abuse and just keep on flying!