The LA has the air bleed carb that I am still learning how to tune myself, so I don't know what to tell you about setting the carb except read the manual. You may also have an air density problem if it is very humid in your area, I know that I have with my FX. See if one of your Clubmembers can help you out get it set right.

If you successfully soloed on the Avistar and are comfortable with flying it and landing it by yourself, I would say go for it. But it doesn't hurt to have an Instructor nearby to help either get you out of trouble or just as a confidence builder. Plus it's nice to have someone to talk to at the field if there is nobody else there. If you've never done aerobatics before, it's always a good idea to have someone around to talk you through the actions first.

Rain sucks, been there, done that with the first 2 months of the season here in NJ. If you have a flight sim, now's the time to get some practice in. I have just now started to get into the swing and have successfully solo'd myself after 2 years of instruction. I still like having my Instructor with me, both as a confidence builder and a friend. Plus, we can kibbitz over the others as they fly when we take a break.

Have fun!

Don