I whole heartedly agree with the two prior posts. Both bring up good and additional points.

I'll also add to that, once you start making repairs ( or build a kit ), you are far less intimidated by the prospect of hurting your plane.

I believe this makes you a better pilot, as you can relax and get into flying.

When a mishap does happen, you also tend to improve your plane while learning about the design.

This aids you when shopping for other planes, and also when building or repairing other planes, so you quickly progress.


I SHOULD have started with Gray Beard's advice and built a kit. It took me longer to get comfortable with repairs as a result.

Of couse looking back there are a few other things I should have done that were advised too...