I speak from experience with the Firebird XL....a proper trainer is MUCH easier to fly! I spent so much time trying to figure out what was going on with that silly foam thing that I became frustrated. The first flights with my Eagle II were a revelation!

Stop wasting time and money on your Firebird and start spending it at your local flying field. Even if you can't afford a trainer right now, I'd bet you can find an instructor with a trainer willing to give you an "orientation" flight or two for nothing.