I too am a longest ever student candidate. I also started at Sunderland back in 1976 on Victa Airtourer and then C150. Did 28hrs including 8 solo before ususal reasons meant I lost contact with flying. Also tried gliding but too much of a social event for me. 3 lessons in helicopter around 2002. Now returned to a real attempt to complete (funds in place) at Newcastle Flying School. Amazingly still with same instructor as back in '76. I am now 62 and not as super confident as back then but happy with progress so far. Today I think I would have solo'ed (again) but for never ending orbits for commercial traffic decided us to call it a day after just 2 landings in 40 mins. Weather looks poor for tomorrow so hope for good conditions at end of week