I fly with a pilot who I consider an expert. He has been in this hobby for over 35 years.
He does remakes of planes from plans in an attempt to remove the originals "bad habits"
I have seen him maiden numerous planes including mine with excellent results. He is
a successful instructor, and when anyone needs an opinion or answer to a problem
or question he is the first person that is asked.

I never see him start his engine before doing a control check or battery test.
Every maiden is delayed until an extensive ground check is done and the
aircraft deemed airworthy (this includes a check by a second person to
ensure nothing is missed).

He is a nationally ranked pattern pilot who sits on the AMA aerobatics board
He will always give you excellent answers even if he has to consult another expert.

And I have seen him at the field for 6 hours with his plane assembled and ready
but never flown because he was helping people all day and didn't get a chance to fly.