Another skill you need is equipment setup. Cant tell you how many swapmeet planes I see setup in ways that I know will give it only one flight. About a year ago a friend bought a big bingo that lasted one flight. Too excited and couldnt wait for experienced builders to look it over. Beautiful plane, but it had about 6" of nyrod unsupported outside the fuse on the elevator and rudder. The nyrods flexed and he lost it. I wasnt there, but sure wish I was. Setup is just as important as the building for a plane to last a long time.
Edwin