beaver eager, start off with some taildragger time in something cheap like a Cub. Once you're familiar with that try a Stearman (there's one at Swanton Morley for rent, it's a relatively cheap way to get big taildragger time)then try to get some Harvard time in. That way you are pretty much following the path that the wartime pilots did to get into a Spit or similar. Don't know how successful you'll be getting to drive a Spit but it seems like the only way you'll do it short of winning the lottery.
Good luck and keep us posted on any leads you get.
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When the wheels stop turning you're high enuff. CubTrek. To slowly go...