1977, RAF Manston ATC gliding school
6-weekend course
Kirby Cadet Mk III
40 launches to first solo
average flight time 3 minutes
total pre-solo time 2 hours
They sure don't teach 'em like that any more.
Not sure I was ever taught to turn right, though ??
(My solo glider, XN246, is suspended from the ceiling of Southampton air museum, I believe in testament to my achievement in bringing it back in one piece !)