HALF A PILOT
I stand corrected. Sorry, it was five, you're right. I trawled up the figure 12 from my own personal minimum list. Well, it was early in the morning and the vino hasn't worn-off from last night.
...and Whirlygig
You may well be right. I have heard so many versions of the 'correct' interpretation of the rules I'm not sure it is possible to truly know the definitive answer. Every school/instructor has a tendency to lean toward whatever lines their pocket that little bit more, I guess. Can't blame 'em really, I suppose.
I personally don't object to any 'extra' training. Afterall I never learned to fly to save money. I'd rather be as safe as I can afford.