Don't know if it will help or not, I’m self taught at flying RC Planes and have been flying them since 1983. Most of the time I bring the birds down in the recommended number of pieces (Glitches aside!).

My best advice, like many others here in the forum;

1. Get a flight simulator/Instructor. (You already have the SIM)

2. Make sure when you check the CG (Center of Gravity) that the aircraft is slightly nose heavy. Check the CG balance point which is usually at the main spar of the wing, approx 1/3 back from the leading edge of the wing. If the aircraft is NOT balanced slightly nose heavy, you will be fighting to keep the aircraft in the air (too touchy). When learning to fly, nose heavy is good, because it makes the aircraft less sensitive to control inputs.

3. Make sure to check all control surface throws and that they are going in the right direction (you might need help on this one). Once in the air, use small inputs and take it slow when flying.

4. If you can't/won’t get an instructor (got to do it on your own!), these are some of the tricks I have had success with while I was learning: One of the most difficult tasks flying an RC Aircraft is when you start to turn the plane around to come back towards you, most (if not all) beginners get disoriented and loose control. (The aircraft controls are now reversed).

With plane is coming right at you, move the control stick towards the dipped wing, this will level the plane out. Practice this allot, it works like a charm.

Another method controlling the plane while coming towards you, turn your body in the direction the plane is traveling and look at the plane over your shoulder. This might work.

Last thing I remember that helped me in my learning to fly RC is I made imaginary flights where I would practice a flight and simulate what inputs I would need as I flew the imaginary plane through it’s paces. (By the way, I taught myself to fly RC back before there was flight sims!) It helped me.

Hope this help’s; the people who succeed in flying RC Aircraft are those who are persistent. If you can get it an instructor it will ramp up your learning curve, save you allot of time, money and frustration. If you go it on your own, a lot of money, patients and C.A. will help! Good luck, Steve
[8D]