A few months ago I destroyed my flat bottomed trainer due to an rx failure. My beautiful new domino lost all control and nose dived at speed into the runway, the result was spectacular and catastrophic.
I then asked this rc community if I should move on to flying my Stik, a Great Planes Big Stik 40, or stay with a trainer. Some said go for the Stik others suggested I stay with the trainer until I felt more confident.
I took the more cowardly (sensible) route and bought myself an avistar (great airplane!) and have been training on it ever since.
But that stik has been nagging me and today I decided to maiden her. WOW! What a difference. The Stik is much more responsive, goes exactly where I tell her to and floats in to land just like my trainer. I love this airplane and cant imagine going back. Wonder if my wife will allow me to store her in the bedroom?
That said I am glad I waited. My stik needs much more concentration from this newbie and I have to consciously fly her every second she is up there.
Thank you all for your input when I needed it and Jester, you were right, the Stik is a fantastic airframe and flies great with my OS .46 fx engine.

Good flying all,

Ray