Would a Sig 4*60 plus an attitude correcting device help in aiding a new person to fly if he is beginning with a low wing plane? I've never toyed with a copilot before, and if they help level the orientation, I don't see why my nephew couldnt learn on a low wing and I just buy one of those FMA thingies and place it in..

thanks.





edit:typo

I made the first flight on a friend's new Sig 4*60 ARF with that FMA "thingie" installed. I'd flown two LT-40s with "thingies" that performed beautifully, so I was anxious to try 4*-60. After a few minutes getting acquainted with the plane, I turned on the "thingie" and demonstrated it's ability to keep the aircraft in a level flight attitude. Rolling it up on a wing tip, the "thingie" snapped it back to level flight with no input from me. I pulled the 4*60's nose up with enough power to continue a gentle climb, but the "thingie" had other ideas. Dropping down to about 75 feet I made a perfectly flat 360 degree turn, on rudder only, right in front of us...try that without a "thingie!" Landing was a breeze in the 45 degree cross-wind we had that day. On the approach into the crosswind, I let the "thingie" handle the ailerons while I handled the throttle and elevator. I throttled back to let the plane slowly descend. As crossed over the edge of the runway at about 10 feet high I ruddered it around, lined up with the runway, idled back to let it settle in wings level, to a nice soft landing. I knew how to handle a crosswind, but the "thingie" sure took the "bite" out of it! The "thingie" will give him assists on controls in situations that might otherwise cause problems. He will improve faster as his confidence level increases. Get a "thingie" for that 4*60...you'll like it.

The 4*60 has a low wing load, it likes to float. With low rates, this thing will fly like a lt-40, even without the copilot. Either way, it is a nice plane. Don't worry about tail-dragger takeoffs, their easy.

Great..

Its been awhile since the trainer days, and I forget how one is supposed to fly (my LT40's are long gone-R.I.P.) but I do have 2 Sig 4*60s in the basement. My nephew wants to fly, so before he goes out spending money, I figure I'd teach him on my equipment. Plus it's a good excuse for me to go out and buy one of those "thingies"

Thanks for the input, guys.

-Adrian

The "Thingie" is a great little device. Just be sure to read the instructions and set it up properly before flying. Having enough channels on the radio to turn it on and off in flight is also a big benefit.
have fun,
Randy