I say your doing the right thing!! I know trainers have their purpose, but I think the shoud be called slow flying, sluggish, that in no way will prepare you for your second plane planes! I started with an LT 40, learned how to fly it, got bored, built a somethin extra, and realized I should have started with this plane in the first place. My trainer tought me nothing (but basic orientation) that carries over to a tail dragger. IMO, a trainer dosen't prepare a person for a mid or low wing plane thats a good bit faster, and handles a ton better.