Agreed. The RTF's are put togther for you (for the most part), and are usually just fine. Do a "Search" here for that particular RTF and see if there are any recommendations, like reinforcing the wing joint.

Flying.... That's a LOT of question!
Transmitter has two sticks. In Mode II, the most prevalent set up and the way transmitters come, the left stick controls throttle and rudder, moving the stick all the way forward is full throttle and all the way back is idle, moving it right and left is rudder. The right stick controls ailerons (stick to the right and left), and elevator, move the stick forward (down elevator) and back (up). The little "trim" levers to the sides of the sticks are for minor adjustment of control surfaces, except for the throttle trim. Throttle trim all the way forward, and stick all the way back is idle; if you now pull the trim lever all the way back it should "kill" the engine (by cutting off the fuel).

Probable the biggest problem most new guys have is giving TOO MUCH stick movement. A gentle turn will usually require no more than 10% to 25% (max!) stick movement for ailerons, and a smaller amount of "up" elevator to keep the nose from dropping. If you remember that much your first flight will be better than average.

Welcome to RCU and RC flight! Great place and a great hobby. There are a lot of terrific people, most more than happy to help the new guy. So enjoy!

By the way; joining MAAC is a good idea. I believe they provide liability insurance as the AMA does here. Does your instructor belong to a club? If so, join it too, and go to the meetings this winter. You'll learn a lot and meet some new friends.

Good luck,
Dennis-