Modelman,
I agree with all the above,we have briefings before and after each flight,I started dual take off landing from first lesson,ie, the instructor did it but I followed through on the controls.
I was encouraged to use the R/T more or less from the start in the circuits.
Took me 18 hrs to go solo so don't give yourself a hard time if you take longer than some,the experts say it doesn't make you a better pilot to have done it quickly.
The school have a seperate folder for each student and all our paperwork is in there including exam passes,medical stuff,instructors notes and course progress reports etc.
I believe this belongs to the student and he could take this to another school if he wished.
Sorry this is not much use to you now, but I checked out four local schools before choosing the one I'm with,and I'm very glad I did.
I don't know your area ,but it maybe useful to ask around the local flying clubs to see which school scores best.
Good luck.
Lister
