I too am new to flying this year, and have had my Nexstar up for about 25 flights. I ripped the AFS and radio, and installed the 6EXA before I ever started the engine. (Got $125 for the stock Tx. radio and servos and got a complete 6EXA flight pack for $160 - not a bad upgrade for $35)

My instructor believes in working in the following order:
Perfect patterns
Perfect Figure 8's
Perfect Appraches at altitude
Perfect T/O's
Perfect Approaches at 30 feet
Landings

I am just fine tuning the low altitude approaches and ready for landing. I regularly fly in a 90 cross wind, and other than weather vaning the plane flies perfect. Everyone at the club comments on the looks, construction and flight capabilities of this plane. For me, it got me in the hobby in 1 easy purchase. It responds well in most weather and I am very impressed.