Here are the tips Ive learned if you want to get REAL good.

1. Practice a lot!
Fly everyday. Even a hour on the sim will help. The more you fly the better you get. If your not flying everyday, your not flying. If you want to be competitive, you ABSOLUTLY MUST practice as much as possible.

2. Build quality airplanes.
I dont mean buy the most expensive airplanes. I mean when you build it, build it right. Don't get impatient and slap it together. Build it straight, and well. My high school gym teacher told me once. "If its worth doing..its worth doing well, or not at all."

3. Learn your equipment.
Know EVERYTHING there is to know about the equipment you use. Learn how every little part on it works. Learn how to assemble, disassemble, and repair ALL of your airplane. Learn which glues work, how to solder, basic electric priniciples, servo gears, motors, etc.

4. Experiment.
Experiment with everything. Change prop sizes, change motors, try different servos, scratch build an airplane. Dont be locked into what the manufacturers tell us to use. Use what you find works for you. What's good for Quique may not work for you.

5. Compete.
Competition is one of the best incentives for getting better. Find a competition that appeals to you and go for it. Flying against better pilots, will help you improve. You'll learn tips and tricks from them that will help you.

6. Pay attention.
Look around you, go check out all the other guys airplanes. Many times you'll pick up a trick or idea from other people's planes.

7. Learn modeling skills.
Learn the tools of the trade. Learn how to scratch build. Build a kit from downloaded plans.


And the single most important thing....

LEARN THE RUDDER.
You cant fly 3D without the rudder. LEARN IT, USE IT.