Larry, I'm totally with you on this one. I'm debating whether or not to fly in this competition; will definitely go and bring my plane for some free flying afterward, and hopefully hear some pointers from other experienced pilots.

I don't know what straight and level looks like. I understand I should see the bottom of the inside wing. I honestly don't know how much is due to the crooked plane, and how much is due to straight up pilot error. I wish I had someone to work with and could tell me if its me or the plane (probably is me) and give me a pointer on how to fix whatever I'm doing. There are other guys at my field who need real training on how to get solo'd, and I want the instructors to have some fun flying time too, it's not all about me-I understand that.

I do know that flying directly over my head the plane looks like it's flying in a straight line, but not in line with the plane. One thing that is totally consistent is when doing a vertical up line, 1/4 loop to vertical, 1/4 loop to horizontal - the plane almost makes a 90 degree turn to the right; problem lying mostly with the outside loop, some with the inside loop, but it's the same every time I do it. At least I now can compensate with stick control.

Thanks for all the advice; Decathlon should be up and running in a few weeks, probably to prove that it's me and not the plane.