ORIGINAL: Hossfly
Since I certainly don't have the experience in the civil instruction world that JB has, I will only use one statement of his as actually to reinforce his other comments that I do agree with.
Most classic full scale trainers do indeed make for very poor RC trainers and this includes any Cubs that are anwhere near scale. If you insist consider this: The AT-6 was 'not' a primary trainer period. It was an advanced trainer intended to be used only after the student progressed through primary and basic trainer (types) steps.
The USAF did at one time start pilot trainees right out in the T-6. That program was in the 1950 era or around there. The program did not last for long, maybe several years until it was decided to return to some 40+/- hours in a lesser machine. USAF again tried the "Go fast NOW" theory when in the late '50s, early '60s they started the newbie in the T-37, twin jet "TRAINER". Again the initial wash-out rate soared, and the USAF soon returned to assuring trainees had some 40 hours in the trainer -- whatever it was -- like a Cessna 150 type. I went through the T-37 initially, and I was glad that I was already a jet Navigator-Bombardier as I could work in the cockpit with helmet and oxygen mask, all strapped in plus I could read and understand Flight Manuals. So many brand new folks could not take all that at once including being new in a fast-thinking environment. Pre-solo washout was around 30% with the overall washout rate being about 50%.
Back to RC: I don't care to instruct a newbie using some model that is going to take more than some 15-20 flights before I determine that he is safe enough to turn loose on the club's flight-line. While several have been declare "solo" in my club using that P-51 "Trainer", I have not witnessed anyone that I think is safe until they get yelled at a time or two due to being almost right on someone else's station. [X(] I simply prefer a better Trainer, and one where the newbie and I can work not only to get solo qualified but to also be aware enough to be safe for all those out there on the flight-line that are focusing on their own models and not having to watch the new guy.
All in all, that is MY TIME you are using to learn to fly. YOU will be required to USE it well, as I so direct.
Now, MR. REAL PILOT, I been there, done that, a bit myself including instructing in both T-33 and T-38 aircraft along with some years in the B-737, 727, DC-8 and DC-10, along with several lesser types. My advice to YOU is to stand up, use right hand to remove chip off left shoulder, then use left hand to remove chip off right shoulder. [>:] Find a good instructor and with a good conventional Trainer, learn the orientation and how to "round-out", feeling the control pressures from OUTSIDE the cockpit.
How do I know that? Well fellow, as a long time competition modeler in CL Stunt and some classes of FF, I did not start RC until after I became an airline pilot. Yep, nice self-built Trainer, and off-to-war all by myself. Taxied around out in a deserted area, then off into wild blue yonder. About 2 minutes later I picked up the parts, rebuilt it, got some help at a county field, and soloed (no buddy cord back then) all same day. It can be done but
good help REALLY HELPS!
