if you can find him citabria is your man for p38 tips
but fuel load and weight is very important in AH. try taking drop tanks and 50% main fuel.take lighter loadout for guns and dump DT as you engage. this should help make the p38 better in manouverability.Do not dive at excessive speeds as p38 will compress very easily and usually results in lawn darting
If you are new to sims i'd suggest trying an easier plane first. Spit/Niki are much more forgiving planes to learn on
hope this helps a little
Hazed 3./JG2
and no it wasnt spelt right