The University Air Squadrons undertake ab-initio training on aircraft with a Constant Speed Prop, and send their students solo in similar times to PPL students. (Although the students are selected and probably have greater continuity of training).
Adding the complexity of retractable undercarriage doesn't seem that great a change. On my PPL training, the nmonic I learned for the downwind checks included the Undercarriage.
My reading of LASORS suggests that so long as the aircraft does not require a High Performance Aircraft Class Rating, a complex aircraft can be used for initial training. (See LASORS Sections F Page 2, 6 & 7)
Last edited by tacpot; 19th July 2007 at 21:50.