Don't misunderstand, the PTS is not a bad plane, and one can be taught with it. In my opinion though, there are better options. For one, the landing gear is more difficult to repair after several rough landings (these WILL occur throughout training) and when the gear squats in a landing the radiator scoop is right there to be smacked. 2) In training configuration it is slow to respond to power input (this makes it more difficult for your instructor to fly it out of trouble when you're low and slow.) If you remove the 'training gear' the plane responds much better, but is less forgiving in stalls and won't slow down like a more traditional trainer will. 3) I have a great disdain for the engine and prop combination that comes on the PTS. I have trouble with it leaning out at low throttle. 4) It is difficult to slow it down as much as a high wing trainer for landing while maintaining positive control authority. Some view this as a positive because it lands less like a trainer and more like every other plane you will end up flying, but in initial training phase I prefer a plane that will almost stop in the air before it stalls when teaching low approaches and landings.

I would say landing would be the most difficult phase to teach on the PTS

That said, the PTS is a really neat plane, and with a different power package and a few mods to the airframe it is a fun sport plane. It's a great second plane and a well behaved sport-scale warbird.

-Steve