Hampshire Hog,
At East Midlands, we do around 4 to 6 circuits in a normal lesson -much depends on incoming commercial traffic. Today, we did 6, and that included several orbits for that reason. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoy having to mix in with the BMI Baby's, Easyjets, Britannia's, Ryanair's etc, and dealing with the very professional ATC guys is a great buzz too. I must say they are very helpful to the students under their control! The downside is having a planeload of passengers watching me land in a crosswind as they are held for my touch and go!!
I had two lessons this week, and both were subject to strong crosswinds, and a lot of turbulance. Sadly, that canned my first solo which was due on one of them. I have now been booked in for Saturday, when the weather looks much calmer, with a view to carrying out this momentous occasion (momentous for the right reasons I trust!!). I was rather hoping that I would get no advance warning, and be simply sent on my way, but I have to say I am really looking forward to it, though I shall be sh****ng bricks beforehand, no doubt, so wish me luck. It should happen as long as I don't screw up on the first two or three with the instructor on board.
Best wishes to everyone....