There is a guy at my field who flies a Mustang PTS. It's OK as a first plane, and flies very well. It is a bit quicker than a high-wing trainer though, and not quite as stable. It will go where it is pointed. It will not have the same tendency to self-correct as high-wing trainers, due to the dihedral and semi-symmetrical wing. The simulator and instructor will be a great help in learning how to operate it, especially the simulator. Practice on the simulator for a while first, that way orientation will be easier and you will learn with less time on the box at the field. On the simulator, do strictly takeoffs and landings, and then practice flight patterns. I know it's the opposite of what you'll learn on the field, but the practice will prepare you to solo sooner. Also, I would put your chance of success on the first flight at 99.99%. It's just that I've never seen a plane flown on a buddy box with a competent instructor go down, and I spectated for 20 years before I actually took up the hobby.

NorfolkSouthern