RE: aerobird mods
The Aerobird Challenger has two modes of operation. Sport mode is the default and is why the plane makes a good starter plane. In this mode, when you make a rudder request only on of the surfaces, the ruddervators ( rudder/elevators) moves. This gives mild response and works just fine in under 5 mph breezes.
To go into pro mode you turn on the transmitter and hold it at full down elevator. I usually lay it on the ground or car so that the stick is all the way in down elevator position. Now power the plane up. You will see that when you make a rudder request both surfaces move giving you much stronger response.
Also, you can increase teh throws by changing the hole where the line goes through the control horn. By moving it down the control horn you will get more throw, in either mode, giving you stronger response.
The original Aerobird, the one I started with, only had sport mode.