Direct anywhere, sure an engine could fail in the way you meantioned. Look back at the airport statistics - has this ever happened??
Using the standard circuit you are against, at the furthest point away from the runway (late downwind, turning base position) the 172 is still able to make it back to the field (say late downwind 17L, can still reach 17L). Seeing as all GA aircraft have an aerofoil profile based around the same NACA-6 profile, hence the same lift/drag ratio - how is it that it's so unsafe??
Sure a first time student will go wide on their initial circuits, and as they get more proficient with the workload it tightens up. Our 'standard circuit' often puts us inside other non-company aircraft, and we have to widen as well - do we complain?
Initial circuit students have around 5 hours experience. With this level of experience should we be teaching transient manouvures?? (ie. leveling off in a climbing turn)
Remember MB is a training aerodrome.
