I would still suggest that you hold off on running the engine untill you find that mentor. I do realize that you have RC car experiance but these engines are not run in the same way and its easy to damage an engine if you treat it like a car, another factor airplanes engines are far more dangerous than the cars. Its best you get first an idea of good procedures from your mentor.

On your field equipment sounds great but agine I would suggest you hold off buying everything before you connect with that mentor. He very well may be able to save you money with the right purchases. Its easy when you are new to spend a ton of money for field equipment that you may well not need or the wrong kind.

John