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?