It would appear that my previous posting re time to solo is completely outdated.
The following news article from a Coroners report after a fatal in a Piper Tomahawk, pilot lost it in turn from downwind to base, impacted in built up area, hit power pole first, then into front yard of house.
"Up to the day of the accident the student pilot had flown a total of 57.5 hours, 50.6 with another pilot (Must have been an instructor??) and 6.9 hours solo".
"In a statement to police Mr Drovers regular flight instructor described him as "very competent". "Whenever I gave James a forced landing or an engine failure after take off or landing? he would always head toward an open area like the beach or golf course. He would never have headed towards houses. His ability to fly at low speed was good".
Obviously the ball game has changed considerably.
Prospector