Coyote, thats a sweet plane and quite an accomplishment as a first build. Take pipers advise, that plane is more like a 3rd plane than a first.

I know you said "I wanted to get what I wanted the first time out." Well, that plane will be what you want the first time out and then it will be a pile of balsa seconds afterwards.

This hobby is great fun, but can be frustrating if you dont get off on the right foot. It would be terrible to invest all that time in that beautiful plane and then crash it on its first flight.

Start out with a trainer and have the phaeton kind of as a goal to reach in a year or so. I have been flying for two years and have a fair bit of flying and simulator time and I know I would still be a little nervous with that plane.

If you have any other questions, you will find that the folks here are generally super helpful. Good luck and welcome to our addiction.[8D]