ORIGINAL: Av8r Guy
so and I recently decided to purchase Hanger 9's P51 PTS. (it should be here in the week or two
)
Hopefully I have made a good choice in my purchase, and that I can find someone here to teach me how to fly properly.
I plan to join the Regina Windy Flyers Club and fly on the buddy box system with an IP until I earn my wings and can soar by myself.
I figure that once an instructor flies my P51 PTS and spends some time with me at the controls - if he feels that this plane is too much for me, I can use this radio's two plane capabilities and get another primary trainer like an easy 40 to learn on (hopefully this won't be the case as I truely love warbirds) but if it has to be - then thats the way it will be.
First thing, this plane can be used as a primary trainer, but it depends on the instructors comfort level with the plane. Some longer tooth instructors have a hard time with anything not a high wing for an initial trainer. Eventually they will learn this plane is ok for buddy box training. 2nd, many clubs have club trainers that are bought and payed for by the member dues. Usually the most senior instructor is the one that has this plane at their disposal and should be willing to offer to train you on the club trainer if they don't feel the P-51 PTS is a good starting point(this is what happened with my instructor....a bit old...but very knowledgeable). He flew the PTS twice and felt it was a good plane, but since he forgot the buddy box, he couldn't buddy box me on the PTS and instead offered to buddy-box me on the club trainer the next day to see where my skills would be and if I was capable of handling the P-51.
If there isn't a club trainer, ask people in your club if anyone has a trainer and would be willing to buddy box you.
Also, use a simulator. This is important for getting the orientation of the plane down to 2nd nature....much different then actually being in the plane as I am sure you know. The P-51 PTS comes with a simulator, but it isn't all that great looking or useful in my opinion. It is a basic simulator that does have the P-51 in it, but the flight characteristics are kinda iffy, howeer it will work. Download the demo of RealFlight G3 and you'll get a much better learning experience. The only benefit of the PTS sim in the box is that it allows you to use the radio you get with the plane. The G3 demo uses only arrow keys for directional.
You can also download free FMS sim. U can get a USB adapter cord to work with FMS and your radio. Not much use on this one either asit isn't realistic. You'd be better off using the included Cockpit Master sim if you decide not to buy the RealFlight G3.