I started flying the middle of last summer with a NexStar. I too am still a little nervous until it is back in the pits without damage. My fears are mainly trying to improve my skills by doing loops, rolls, etc. with this plane as any significant crash will result in repair/rebuild efforts. To offset this quandry I have built a few S.P.A.D.'s (I know, they are not "real" airplanes) for improving my skills. Other than the radio equipment and servos these can usually be built for $10 - $20 and in an a few days. This way when (not if) you crash you are not out a lot of time or money. I just crashed one first time out this year. I was doing some rolls about 10 ft. off the ground when a wind gust caught the wing and sent it to the ground (plowed corn field) full throttle. Only damage was a broken prop and spinner, and a very muddy engine. I could have easily cleaned the engine and replaced the prop and spinner and continued flying. If it were a Balsa plane, ouch. I have found that my nervousness is greatly decreased and allows me to focus on flying and perfecting maunevers rather than constantly worrying about crashing. It also helps me focus on the area in which I am flying, rather than tunnel vision on my plane. This helps me avoid other aircraft inthe sky.

This year I have built another S.P.A.D. (Stick style), an SSC combat plane, and a Hangar9 Twist. Hopefully This summer will be filled with lots of flying and continued improvement.