Two points:
- The PFL starts at a cruising altitude. It ends (from what is often called the low-key point) with a glide approach. The glide approach - the last part of the PFL - should be taught in the circuit. The early part of the PFL is absolutely not necessary, since the student will not be high enough to put it into action.
- In response to skyhigher's scenario, I'm not convinced that, from a height of 800', flying downwind, the best course of action would be to make a 180 degree turn then try to land in a field. Far better to turn towards the airport and land anywhere on it, with the fire service in attendance. Mind you, if you did decide to do a 180 degree turn, then you certainly wouldn't have much room left for anything that I'd recognise as a PFL - it would look more like an EFATO.
FFF
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