There are trainer warbirds available. The Mustang PTS or F-22 PTS and one I would love to get is called a Tamecat, it is an F-14 but a trainer. However from what I have heard they are all a little less than optimum for training a novice.


Have you taken a look at the wing loadings on these "trainers" ? They range from the mid to high 20's.

ALL the trainers I have seen have wing loadings in the mid teens.

In case you don't understand what I am referring to, The higher the wing loading, the faster the plane HAS TO FLY TO STAY IN THE AIR, and the faster it has to go to take off. On landing you must keep a higher speed up or you will stall.

The majority of your trainers will take off and land at about 20 - 25 mph. With these wing loadings you are most likely looking at take off/landing speeds of around 40+ mph. While you are learning, slower is better.

On the plus side, the added weight of the plane (7+ lbs for the F-22 PTS ) and higher speeds will be a help in windy conditions.

I am "old school". On a 7+ lb plane you typically hung a 61 2 stroke with a 12x6 - 12x8 prop for adequate power and performance.