You might want to consider a simulator. Simulators are not the end all training method but they do help considerably. Crash on the simulator and its just a press of the reset button to try again. Also, if those trees are a menace, look for a field that doesn't have them. You might have to travel further but having a wide open space is much better than flying around the Charlie Brown kite eating trees. I use to try to fly my SE-5A in a local park here but found it ate up airspace pretty fast and really is better flown at a regular RC field. But if gravity and trees are the problem, sounds like you just have to up your experience level. Your friends concern about about high wing loading is correct for biplanes with short wingspans and excessive weight. If you're looking at different models and trying to make a possible decision, try this wing loading calculator that is easy to use. http://www.flyrc.com/wing-load-calculator/ Do your research, biplanes are cool.