Ive only been back in the hobby for about a year and dont maiden any of my planes yet even though i probably could.  Even though I build (or might I say assemble them as I always buy ARFs) all of my planes and understand CG and control throws and hinging, etc... I feel better having an experienced pilot do the maidens for now. 

Even though all of my planes are either ARFs that I have assembled or 2nd hand complete RTF ones...I still have a lot of my valuable time in getting them ready for flight that I dont want it all to be for not on its first flight.

Just last week I had just finished putting back together a used Mini Ultra Stick airframe with new servos, motor, ESC and battery.  I downloaded the manual and set everything by the book (minus CG which I left a tad bit nose heavy for the maiden).  And even though I knew it would fly ok I still let one of the experienced pilots at our club do the first flight and boy am I glad that I did!  What seemed to me to not be too nose heavy definitely was!

That plane was all over the sky and it was all my friend could do to keep it flying while someone adjusted the trims as he called out what it needed.  He couldnt take his thumbs off the sticks (well he probably could have but he didnt want to do anything to chance downing the plane) to even adjust them himself.

I think this is a fine testament as to no matter if you think you know...you dont always know how a first flight is going to turn out.  It will probably not be until next year (2 years back in) that I will even start to feel comfortable maidening my planes.

good luck though just the same!</p>