There are some extremely good comments on this thread. Just follow the advice and go back to the basics. Some people just progress faster than others, that's all. My second plane was a 3D monster and I still fly it to this day, but not everyone is the same. I'm glad I did it this way as I'm not scared at all flying any of my planes now (except when you have a big audience, lol). One thing 3D will teach you is stick movements. You'll never push the sticks in the wrong direction or make a hessitated move again once you've flown 3D!!! Though this isn't my recommendation, it is true and will progress your flying skill immensely after you have mastered the basics of a trainer. I cannot stress this enough, as have the posters above. Fly the wings off a trainer! Don't move ahead too quickly. I'm self taught as well, and I honestly think that the sim has taught me 80% of my flying skills. Yes actually flying the models at the field will help too, but a simulator will teach you the basics with no reprocussions when you crash.


The other common theme I see here is that you keep mentioning is "i'm scared to crash it with all the time I've put into building it". Heck I would be too!!! This is why I can't more highly suggest you pick up a cheap ARF (trainer or even a low wing trainer) and give 'er! Since you have almost no time invested, you won't be so scared to crash it! You'll advance so slowly if you're always scared of crashing. Don't be! Altitude is your friend! So use something that has very little time/money invested (again, after you've learned the basics on a high-wing trainer or sim!.


I found personally that my flying skill made the biggest jumps in skill when I pushed myself to do what I was scared of. I remember the day this spring that I told myself, "screw it! I know I can hover these stupid 3D planes inches off the runway (as I can in the sim and up high in the air), it's just my mind that's holding me back from doing it down low!" And sure enough, I swallowed my fear and hovered down low doing a tail-touch my very first time down low! lol Mind you it wasn't a very smooth controlled hover, but it was a down low hover for 20 seconds just feet in front of me none the less. I believe that was one of the most exciting experiences I've had flying thus far.

Anyway, lots of stuff here as I'm just rambling but I wish you the best! I'm about to build my first kit plane, so now I'm wishing I had your building expertise and knowledge! lol Remember that flying is always a learning process. I have a long way to go compared to some people I watch fly, which is why I want to get started in IMAC or pattern next spring. It's time to learn DISCIPLINED stick control, lol.