I say you should hang up this plane and purchase something different. Maybe a Hobby zone 2 channel or three chanel parkflyer. Examples are FirebirdII ST, Aero Bird, Outlaw ParkZone planes are Slo V or J3 Cub. For first time flyers I like to steer them toward the Hobby zone Firebird II st. It has throttle control and left and right control. elevation is controlled with throttle and yes the throttle is variable. If it climbs to fast and stalls then read the manual as it tells you to adjust the tail via the thumb screws to help keep it from stalling too quickly. Must be flown in calm weather as the wind will carry the plane away if you are nto careful.

Most of these kits can be had for 150.00 to around 80 bucks.