ORIGINAL: jetmech05

I am one of those that think the PTS trainers are horrible. I have taught on them, but there are better airplanes to train with. The LT-40 is the best, Alpha, Avistar. are good as well.
I understand your desire to fly warbirds, I have had a P-47 myself.
Please understand,and it sounds like you do, that there is nothing else in RC like flight. left right fast slow is fun but now you're adding up and down and you have a blast, no better way to show your skill than a nice landing.
I am telling you that every student I have taught would have crashed on their first flight. Every student has the same learning curve. 9 out of 10 times after your first flight I can tell if your right handed or left handed.
Get yourself a trainer, I still have one, and learn with an instructor on a buddy box. make the ''jug'' your third airplane after you fly a tail dragger.
Good Luck, too bad you're so far away. You'll be a great student. I'd have fun teaching you.