Yes, and I think the 20 hours before solo were stated in one of the SFAR's which have now expired.
Just checked the log book and mine was 57.6 hours to first solo, after 14,000+ plank. Partly because my flying had been done a few hours at a time at different schools in various countries, but also because of a mature pilot's feeling that I wanted to be really sure that I could handle anything that happened on the circuit. I had turned down a couple of opportunities for this reason.
G_string hits the nail with the comments about ego. Sad but true, and beware those that boast of an early solo. Those that have the ability AND the reserve in their character are the pilots with whom you want to fly, or employ.
And if you are reading this, thank you Mike Bill at Redhill for taking on the awesome responsibilty of sending a plank pilot solo in a helicopter
