THis is great LOL, I knew this would be an intresting subject. I think i like this one. When would the original poster consider himself an expert? When people come to you, ask you to solve problems they can't solve, and you solve them. Sounds Good but Still there has to more to it.
This one is definetly one to go buy. expert lets break this word down to get a good idea what it takes to an "expert"
ex........a has been
spert....drip under pressure
watch out for anyone in this hobby that calls himself an expert yes i would definetly have to agree there casue no one is perfect and we all make mistakes. But all of the Opions are good in there own way it is very intresting to see, How others feel about this Label.

I once owned a 74 Vega GT made buy Chevy it was my first car i was 9 when my dad gave it to me and it was pretty worn out. Buy the time i was 16 i had completely rebuilt this car from top to bottom it didnt look like a Vega anymore more like a minuture camaro. I knew everything there was to know about the car its history and complete mechanical workings. there was nothing you couldnt ask me about this car that i ddint know. So in that sence i guess i was an expert On the Chevy Vegas of the early 70'S.

So i guess to become an expert RC aircraft flyer would be to vague. i would have to learn how to fly everything out there with confidence and precision skill in flying that particualr plane. I have never flown A CMP Lancair But i'm building the plane and will certainly be Nervous on its maiden flight casue of the time and effort i will have put into it construction, not to mention the Green paper i will have had to give out to make it a reality.

So Hmm how can anyone say you have to be an Expert to fly that plane, i have flown biplanes and of course trainers and helicopters but they dont count casue they dont fly like an airplane. Flown Low wing war planes such as the Spitfire and P-51, and it seems to me they all have ther own characteristics in flight and from what i have learned with each one is that the basics of flight apply to all of them. But you have to learn there characteristics. kinda like the old car that no one can start but you cause you know what its character is how many times to pump the gas and get it to turn over and fire up, there fore making you the expert on startig that car.lol

I have probably gone way to deep into the realm of what makes an expert.

having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience

EXPERIENCE-direct observation of or participation in events as a basis of knowledge , the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation. Or practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events in a particular activity.

So does this mean i could watch some one who is experienced in flying of the lancair, fly the plane and gain experience from it.

LOve all the differnet opions on the subject WHAT MAKES AN EXPERT.