I'll say it can be done, but he will need a good instructor and may have to spend more time on the buddy box than he is expecting. With the right attitude and right instructor, the UCD3D can probably be used as a first plane (definitely a second plane). I have flown one that was a real kick on high rates, but coming in on low rates was a real no brainer. It settles in nice and slow (slower than some trainers out there), and the lack of self-righting tendancies should be made up for with its size and visibility. I learned to fly with a Sig Mid Star (after the trainer didn't turn out too well) and probably spent a little more time with an instructor than trying it with a Kadet. In this case who knows what the attitude of this guy is, but if you go into it objectively (and tame control throws), I'd say it can be done successfully. Of course, if he just goes for it, the results should be entertaining.