RE: Help building first plane
Flying wings aren't the "traditional" trainers but they can be used quite ok for a first plane. The launching is tricky but I know of of schools that have rc programs that use a flying wing. Yes, they are problematic with orientation but if you don't fly too far away, that isn't a huge issue. However, a beginner stopping themselves from flying too far away could be an issue ;-)
Often flying wings are made of EPP or EPO foam which is quite crash survivable which is a big advantage in a trainer.