have the RTF version of this and had it fly perfect out of the box. I did not use the auto pilot device. The plane flys and lands great, take-off was the hardest part of flight for me. I also ground looped it and took the tail off. After that I went with a double nose gear wire, and use slow throttle input at no more then half until its in the air.
I think I got 65 flights on it so far, and still have the flaps and tips on it. Why mess with a good thing.

What are your throws set at?