rcdude, when can we start calling you CLdude?

The suggestion to do lazy eights is great!

HOW TO: Steer into an Inside loop, starting a bit past due downwind. Let this be open: sky is softer than ground. Whe you're "quite high" bring it around and start heading down. While STILL "pretty high" push in a bunch of DOWN control. (The model is on its back - DOWN is UP!)

Off the top of this partial Outside Loop, recover to upright level flight and take a big breath...

You've earned it.

Now, when you've caught your breath, do it again... (and take another breath...)

You should notice that when you do Inside Loops, you could point your index finger above the "pilot's" head, and when you're doing those odd-looking Outside Loops, you're pointing way below "his" butt. Exactly!

Lazy eights are enjoyable, and they prime your response for which is the right way to get out of the maneuver you're doing. Once you get the feel of the lazy eight, you'll notice that you do like an orchestra conductor:- You point at the shape (with an imaginary index figure) ABOVE for insides, an below for outsides. If you had the symphony orchestra conductor's baton, you'd be pointing above the "right side- up" theoretical questoin. And below to the left.

That's also a good way to win steady level flight: Move your handle hand untill you can imagine pointing at the airplane with that index finger. Now, "lock" your wrist. Point your arm above the model, and MAGIC! it flies up to where you are pointing. Too high? Keep your wrist from moving and point your arm lower.

To desensitize how the model reacts, learn large arm motions. Then add to the quickness with elbow and forearm motions. By that time, it should be natural enough that if you NEED wrist motion, you'll do it in proportion to your model's needs.

PHYSICAL! That's what my Mom and Dad didn't quite 'get'... The less input we make, the less disturbance in the model's flight - so long as we make enough to be sure it does what we need. (It is also a good technique for improving the accuracy of shapes when you go to competition - which is a natural extension of flying for fun, without anything to guide how you judge how well you're doing. It IS great fun - learn to RELAX, and enjoy!)