Scott, I think you'll find that, generally, the larger airplanes are easier to fly than the smaller one. The Extra is a great flying plane and I think you'll enjoy it. As for the biplanes, I love 'em too and the bigger the better.

Regarding your confidence level, if you've never flown with others, you might consider contacting a local RC club, and asking if an experienced pilot might observe and evaluate your flying techniques. Such a !QUOT!check ride!QUOT! could be beneficial in identifying bad habits you may have unknowingly picked and providing advice on improving your skills. An RC club is allowed under AMA rules to let a visiting pilot fly (if the visitor is an AMA member.)

As for nervousness about flying a new plane, one of our better club members has been flying fun fly and pattern competition for 30+ years and he gets very nervous anytime he flies a new plane. Same with me; after a maiden flight, my hands shake like I have the DTs! So don't worry about being nervous on those first flights. We all get that way.

Best of luck to you.

Mike