I got my PPL licence last year aged 63,after starting lessons the year before.
Solo in around 19 hrs,I was really depressed as I thought it was normal to get solo in 10 hours or less,I never asked the instructor about this and worried my self quite a bit as I thought I was learning so slowly.
I wish now that I had discussed this with them.
After the solo it all went well and I passed the skills test around 55 hrs.
It isn't a race, I was told because you solo in mega quick time does not mean you will be a better pilot.
All the instructors at the school were professional non-hour builders but I found that different instructors,although themselves excellent, had a massive influence on my performance.
The CFI noted this and I stuck with him the rest of the time.
When I was choosing a school I went to several local establishments, one asked my age and said to add 20 hrs to it (ie 83 hrs),as that would be about the time it would take to get the licence!
Well it turned out a lot better than that,so perhaps you are being too hard on yourself.
Perhaps ask around and try another school with full time older instructors, to get an appraisal of where you are.
One tip that really worked for me.
Sit in the aircraft on the tarmac or grass when they are not busy,and just look around to see what it looks like at ground level.
Take your time as they won't charge you!
Good luck,and I'm sure it will all work out fine.
Lister
