The aircraft editor is pretty easy to use
make sure that you have a check mark next to "Display Advanced Properties" under options in the editors tool bar
The best way to see what you are doing is to use the "wireframe" option under "View"
The best way to learn is to dive right in! (No pun intended)
You will be forced to change the name of any stock model (creating an AV) that you are editing ....there fore you can't mess any thing up
If you plan to edit an EA or AV from the swap page” Save As" and rename it FIRST
You'll be amazed at how many things there are available for you to add to...
or to change parameters on existing components when editing an existing aircraft
Keep in mind that you will NOT SEE any added components (like spoilers or a different 4-stroke engine for example) in the sim..... although they will alter the aircrafts physics in the sim and be completely functional you won't SEE them operate
FYI.....
The only things that will change how the aircraft "looks" are
the Color Scheme, Props, Heli Blades and Tail Rotors or "engine to show"
HAVE FUN!