I wouldn't say it's mandatory, but it is definitely a good idea! No shame in having someone with experience help you out with your new plane. There are one or two guys that I like to have around me when I'm maidening a plane, or even just feeling a little shaky about something. One guy's name is Mark, and I don't know if it's his talented RC skills, or his amazingly calm demeanor no matter what's happening, but I like to invite him to the flight line when I'm trying something new.

I can assure you it's not a bother to whoever you ask!

I remember maidening my first tail dragger (heck it was only a few months ago!). There were only two flying buddies at the field (the same two had me solo when the instructors weren't there yet!) and they said 'just fly it!'. I did, and everything went fine. But I was shaking the entire time! I probably still would have shook if Mark or Tony were around, but having them next to me to ask questions, or to tell me to keep the power on until I got closer to the strip or something, would probably have made it a bit more comforting.