Sorry, yes I was refering to the UK... and many thanks for the replies. I knew even though my memory is rusty that the PPL used to be part of the training.
I agree however with the poster that time in a (clockwork) 152 is far from the reality of todays glass cockpits. As another poster points out, time was had on a Trident Sim in addition.
Perhaps today, the 15 hours (to Solo) coupled with a few hours on a FTD (or FFS) would be a great core intro. Cost wouldn't be prohibitive either.
Not surprised Thatcher phased out the PPL though...
Flash.