watch the birdie...
thats pretty much hit the nail on head. its not easy in any way, there are hard times when something like aviation law just doesnt sink in, but if you keep perservering with the books then it will all work out.
as for statistics 41 from 47 passed our basic course starting last september, and at this point 4 of us have been posted, but then most of the guys went area and got business held. Its definitely not 20% or 80%, rough guess id say between 60 and 70...
like you said, statistics mean nothing to an individual, if everyone on your course works hard then you can all pass
adrian