If you can build it light then there shouldn't be a problem flying a little slower. Mine flies fast because it's clean, but landings are a cakewalk. Those surfaces look nice, just make sure they are strong enough to resist flutter. This thing will pick up speed when pointed downhill. This plane is good not only for practice, but competition as well. In the lower levels it is all about the pilot anyway. I flew mine at a meet last summer in basic class and beat a GP 40 ARF, several Goldberg 300's a GP 1/4 Giles, and a 3w 40% Extra, for a 1st place finish. I plan on using it as a backup for next year in sportsman/intermediate.