Folks,
As most, but not all, who have flown them would agree, the Yak 52 is a delightful airplane to fly ---- for a "real pilot".
Its low speed handling is such that it can and will catch you out if you neglect its well known and published characteristics, it is in my NSHO, quite predictable, and I think it is an excellent basic trainer.
Given its aerobatic capabilities, this aircraft covers a spectrum of performance that is matched by few others --- I am hedging, because I can't think of even one.
However, given its characteristics, it will "sort the men from the boys" (if I can still use such a non-PC expression) , and if you are too close to Terra Firma it is going to hurt.
Always fly in the middle of the air, the bad things all happen at the edges.
Tootle pip!!