RC Airplanes and Helicopters

Since getting the airplane, I've focused on practicing landings, so my time in the air has been just basic flight with the auto-level on almost all the time. I've turned it off a few times but it raises the sensitivity of the sticks a huge amount (basic FkySky transmitter that came as part of the RTF kit), so it's pretty intimidating.

As a result, I've been feeling nervous about spending more time out of auto-level, but I know I need to push past it if I'm really gonna fly this thing. Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations, maybe a couple of manoeuvres that helped you improve your stick skills?

Fairly new to RC flying here, and looking to connect with other RC pilots. I've had a camera drone for a few years and it's great for aerial pics and videos, but doesn't really require a lot of flying skill, so I wanted to get into fixed wing aircraft. I started with a low cost 3-channel Volantex Ranger to see if I liked it, and I was hooked pretty fast :-)

I saved up my pennies and got my first serious RC plane, the Arrows Bigfoot 1300mm, and it's frikking awesome. I've only had it about a month but I love flying it, so much more challenging and rewarding than my DJI drone. I'm still working on getting my landings consistently smooth, but fortunately it's a very forgiving plane if you come in a little rough.