James, i have the Alfa trainer too and i just moved onto a U Can Do with a Saito .82 and in my opinion it is a good 2nd plane to learn on because it is meant to be a slow flyer and just because i have a beefy engine on it doesnt mean it has to go fast...i use it to hover and do other manuvers. I also have the JR6102 radio and you can program in the travel throw that you want so you can gradually work your way up to what the plane is capable of doing and the same is pretty much true with alot of planes. I wanted a plane that i could grow into and not out of like what are considered 2nd planes but i guess it depends on the type of flying you want to get into. I bought the UCD specifically to learn 3D and so far i love it. But don't get caught in the mindset that you need what is considered a "2nd plane" when you can change the control throws on most planes to make them less responsive to input.

If you don't have a flight sim already, i recommend getting one because it will most likey help you to get to understand how other planes react to the input from the transmitter and keep you on your toes.