I had a Debonair too. It flew. That's about all I can say for it. A well set up balsa trainer flies considerably better and can still take a pretty good bump. But you have a serviceable trainer to get though the accident prone first few months of flying with for sure. When you build your Ugly Stick, I think you'll be amazed at how easy it is to fly compared to the trainer. Stalls will be more gentle, the plane will be more responsive, it won't get tossed around by the wind nearly as much, and it will be easier to take off and land with. Of course, it won't be self-correcting, so you have to get through that beginner phase of needing a self-correcting plane before moving to a Stick.