Do a search on here for "Nexstar" and read alot of the threads. They will give you some "insight" into the Nexstar. My wife bought me the RTF for Easter and I taught myself how to fly. I had a real steep learning curve without an instructor. I didn't crash, but had a couple hard landings, added a few grey hairs, and probably sweated off a few pounds. I am one who really likes the plane as a "learning platform". I am now using it to teach my 11 year old son. Be patient and have fun.