My buddy has been flying for a few years and he bought the Hangar 9 PTS P51, he was real happy with it not only as a trainer but also as an intermediate flier. I got to fly it a couple times and I liked it as well. I guess as far as a trainer goes I would recommend it because it is dual purpose. It starts you flying but it loets you go beyound it a little and have some fun when you get the "training wings" off.[8D]