Here are a couple of neat tricks I have learned.
Glue small parts to toothpicks - Glue parts like pilots, propellers, engines and etc. to toothpicks with gap filling super glue. Paint them using the toothpick for a handle and then remove the toothpick and glue the painted part to the model after the paint has dried. I use a lump of clay or a box with holes in it to hold all the toothpicks upright so the parts don't lay on the workbench.
Don't let parts move - propellors and wheels that were intended to move by the manufacturer should be glued in place. If they move they will invariably be broken by people trying to make them move. I've often found that moving parts have an unrealistic amount of slop in them anyways.
Follow the instructions carefully - there is a lot of sound advice in many kits instructions including, dry-fit parts first, paint small parts before assembling, etc.
The Best Way to Transfer Paint:
You mention offhand that you used droppers... I would also like to suggest disposable plastic pipettes. Testors sells them.. but you can buy them cheaply by the box at a Scientific supplies store.