I always fly a rectangle as my first maneuver, just to get my b...s out of my throat and to check the plane trim also. After that is all hot dogging. If you're able to get your ba..s down at this point you're no longer a beginner.

Regarding needing help, I think every body need help at some point for many reasons, is good to fly alone that new plane and trimmed it your self, but suddendly the wind picks up like crazy and what do you do? risk to land with a new plane that you have never land before or ask someone with more expirience than you or someone that you know flys that particular plane to land it for you or at least be your caller in the landing.

There is no pride in a crashed plane, only a long, long, long ride home.