> the hardest thing for me was mastering landing. Something about it just wouldn't click for many hours ... some kids fly for the first time quite naturally

There's probably a big component of natural ability here. Some people are just better at certain things. If you're not one of them, you may be able to train yourself to a competent level of performance, but you'll never be as good as a "natural." It's somthing that takes a bit of self-awareness and humility to admit, and some people never do.