Mr WWW - whilst I cant comment on the validity of Pheonix's experiance I can only reitterate what happend to me. I also was told my next lesson was a local solo XC (50 miles total) in what I thought were very marginal conditions. Had I not been involved with other experianced PPL holders for some 2 years prior to that day and seen the decision processes being made by them I to would have proberbly thought that the instructor allocated to me knew better than I. It does happen and its not the first time I've heard of students ending up in risky positions having been sent up solo in obviously changable conditions.
Also the use of QDMs and VORs formed part of my training (2001-2002) and questions on the use of VORs appeared in the written tests. However the build up solo XCs that were carried out were primarily based on standard maps, headings, times etc etc. The aircraft that I did my QXC did not have any electronic nav aids - it was the standard nav basics.
It was I who felt that the CAA should be informed of serious bad decission making that put at risk students lives. I feel the CFI should be informed and in the first instance the matter resolved internally if possible. If its swept under the CFI carpet then the matter needs to be raised to a higher level, the next person that gets sent off in iffy wx may end up comming back in a box. We are all human and make mistakes but unfortunetly mistakes made that cost others do require investigation.
I believe we should indicate to new students a way forward should they be put in the same position.
Should we follow your lead, ignore the problem as if it doesnt occur and wait untill something tragic happens and then go tut tut how terrible and spend hours writting on pprune about how silly it all was?