Ok guys I have been flying off and on for a while now. I have gone through the trainner phase into the high wing fully symetrical plane (60 size rookie) its kinda like a big stick with a thicker wing. I can throw it through the sky without any problems (even though its slugish for any form of aerobatics). I have a goldberg yak 54 67" on the way and with some free time I have comming up I will have it flight ready pretty quick. I work on the sim 24/7, mostly imac stuff with some 3d here and there. I can throw the yak's, extra's you name it through the ringer wihtout anyproblems, 20-25 MPH cross wind landings, cake. I guess the question is, when do I know its time to take the yak out on my own. I am new to the field that I am a member of. I know of one guy there who is a wizzard with sport planes and I plan on approaching him about buddy boxing with me and putting my yak up on its maiden. I know this is pretty much the correct course of action, I guess I am looking for some other things to consider as well. I have no problem looking into a diffrent plane before I get into the yak, just not sure if it's needed. thanks..

I think you've already answered your questions.
I usually suggest something like a stik as a second plane and as an intermediate step to something faster (aerobatically speaking). I usually also suggest buddying with someone experienced on those first few flights with your first Yak/Extra/Edge etc.
you have done the first part and have suggested the second part.
Go out, Fly and enjoy.

Hey thanks steve.. like I said.. I guess its more looking for reasurance (sp?) more than anything... One thing I have noticed on the sims, the yaks and the extras seem to fly easier than the trainers... its like I have to force a trainer to do what I want it to... The sport planes seem to move about easier...not sure if that makes any since to anyone..

I agree - Once you get some experience with aeerobatics - try and take a high wing trainer and do the IMAC basic sequence with it. It can be done but it ain't as easy.
this is my belief - all planes have theri own personality

Trainers are designed to be inherently stable and will question you if you ask them to have fun so you have to work hard on them to get them to do much.

Sport planes are much more obedient and will do exactly what they are told - even if it means their immediate demise.