My first plane is the Hobbico Nexstar; same manufacturer as the Avistar. My plane is supposed to be even more ARF, and it took me 3X the suggested 15hrs to install (there's not even any gluing involved!!!) You probably have learned a ton about assembling planes, at the expense of a few (coverable) gaps, etc. I'm sure you will be that much better at making repairs not, too! I learned that I'm not ready for a kit yet, but I would like to try an ARF that requires a little more assembly. The point of my story is that ARF, 'almost ready to fly' is an overstatement, especially if you are working on your first plane. Hobbico told me my plane should just 'snap together'; ask around and see if anyone's first plane (ARF) just 'snapped together'. I imagine your plane will fly just fine; I'm sure you would notice something detrimental (your instructor definitely will), and anything that's a little out of alignment will be accounted for with trim settings when you're in flight. When you get it in the air, just be proud that you assembled something that actually flies! That's pretty cool, and your second plane will be even cooler [8D]