Well-... when I first started (on a T-hawk powered glider thingy) my mistake was to launch it upwards-ALWAYS throw level.
Also, don't grab for the controls straight after- just let it go on its own for a second or two, and then gently react with its movements.
As for the control surfaces, just make sure that they eye through as level.

Damn, if only it were so easy........

Zeroskill by name......