I agree. General flight should be second nature with no moments where you get confused and almost crash because you couldnt figure out what to do to get the airplane up and flying level. The is a point where you wont even think about it, just like driving a car. How many times do you actually think about putting your foot on the brake, using your turn signals and backing out of the driveway. Or think about how to balance when riding a bike.. You dont,,, you just do it. Thats the way that taking off, flying through the above listed maneuvers and landing should be before you move up.

Lots of people get impatient(I did) and move up before then, but the time from soloing to getting to that point isnt very far. Actually when you solo you are all but there already if your trainer is worth his water.[8D]