MinnFlyer, You hit the nail on thead! Some people can skip steps, but most shouldn't or can't as you have pointed out. I progressed through levels of planes and am glad I did. When I instruct, I lay these steps so that people know which way to go. Some people fly their trainer until it is ragged (lots of stick time) therfore they can skip a level. Others want to move more quickly and progess through more levels of planes. I just remember seeing a brand new (2nd flight) SIG Cap 231EX come out of the air because of an inexperienced pilot that wouldn't listen to others. The money this guy lost in 15 seconds could have bought several intermediate planes that may still be around. Like you said every one is different.