If I may offer a different opinion, I don't think the Hanger 9 P-51 makes a good first plane, and here's why. Being a tail-dragger, it's a lot more difficult to learn take-offs than a tricycle gear plane. A new student doesn't need the extra challenge. With all the training stuff on the P-51, it flies OK, but kind of mushy like. Then when the power is reduced, it slows down rapidly and sinks a lot faster than most high-wing trainers. Once again, a little more tricky than an ordinary trainer to land.

If you remove the training equipment, the P-51 flies pretty good, but then it's a bit too fast and agile for a new pilot to handle.

I think it's much better as a second plane. Compared to other warbirds, it's quite easy to fly, but compared to your standard trainer it's quite a bit more difficult. Just a little too much challenge for a first plane.

Now if you're familiar with planes, or (maybe) like the previous post spent a lot of time on a good simulator, it might be a good way to go.

Before you all go and flame on me, I have been instructing for 15 years, and worked with three students with the P-51 this past summer. One has done OK, one is still working on landings (banged it up a bit), and another sold his and bought a high-wing trainer.