I think you'll find, while most people want to help, they also have their own little projects going on, plus life itself to deal with. It may seem a bit harsh, but the only way you're going to get the plane done is to get out there and get your hands dirty and just do it. Ask questions as they come up and you'll almost always get an answer, and most times it'll come a lot faster than you think.
If you want to e-mail me with questions, send me a PM and I'll give you my address, but it's your project and in the end, you'll be appreciative of doing the work.
BTW, I'm having troubles too. Everyone does. Right now, for me it's learning gauges, and I'm having to do it just the way I described to you. By going out and figuring out XML so I can get the custom gauges I need to finish my plane.

PM me and we can talk. I think I'm pretty fair at modelling, but suck at panels.
Kevin