I will post this as an advocate for "the opposite side" of this "debate".

I have to agree that given certain circumstances, there are some that can and will succeed with flying without an instructor and without all the rest of the suggestions that we make here on RCU.

But, this becomes an exception to the rule, and I am sure that most of you will agree that without an instructor, most of the novices in this hobby will have a very tough time getting through all the basics... not only before flying, and as said in the OP, it took him several months to realize that his control surfaces were reversed... but after the airplane is determined to be flyable... not by someone that really knows about how to maiden a new plane, but by someone that was lucky enough to find those basic problems, fix them, and make the plane airworthy.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that the OP was able to get through all the difficulties of setting up a basic trainer, not only enough to satisfy a basic setup, but to get it to fly without any real issues.. and to land it successfully. That, in itself, demands a CONGRATS!!!

But, for most of the beginners in this hobby, I must remind you, there is an awful lot to learn about the basic setup and getting the plane ready to fly that are not that obvious to the beginner. Then, add to that, the techniques of take-off, orbits in both directions, and setting up a landing... don't forget, even the most basic pilot will have to land the thing at some time during the flight..and it is a good thing to land it upright AND on the wheels... well, enough of that.

Now, for Stixoz. Hey, we are all happy that you got to successfully fly your trainer. Believe me, I am really happy for you, and am very happy you succeeded in landing it in one piece. But, there are many other aspects of flying that plane that will require your utmost focus and attention to detail. If you really want to put additional time on that plane, then I suggest that you do a few training exercises that will help sharpen your skills.

Do as many landings as you can. Practice landings in both upwind AND downwind situations, as well as cross wind approaches from both directions. You will have occasions when you will defintely need these skills. For most of us, that happens every day.

Next, practice dead-stick landings. Dead Stick means loss of engine power. If it has not happened yet, it will. So, gain altitude.. we call it three mistakes high.. and cut the engine to idle. Then set up an approach and land it. If you make it to a successful approach, then add throttle, go around, and do it again.

Practice this from a lot of different altitudes, and positions, with reference to the correct upwind approach. If you can't get it to an upwind approach, then decide what to do and land it without damaging it. Remember that a deadstick happens. It doesn't care if you are downwind or upwind.. it just happens. So, practice and get it right... NOW!!!

And one more thing... swallow your pride. If the landing does not look good GO AROUND!!! Do it again. Get used to deciding that a successful landing is worth more than your pride. The reason I say this is because some day, you will be flying around other people. Make a mistake and crash into the crowd and you will be saying "I really should have gone around". Enough said?

After all that, and after you can do this all without crunching the plane, then you can indeed pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself..and let us all know so we can do the same.

Please do not take this as a negative reply, because I applaud your ablities and your determination. Just remember that you are an exception to the rule but now is the time to buckle down and make your flying safe.

Again, Congratulations.. but get beyond the basics and practice.. practice.. practice.

CGr.