Is this a consideration for anyone else, or is he going way too indepth at this stage?
The simple answer is yes thay are adding unnecessary complication to the student's situation which is not backed up by normal operational policy -
Looking at the diversion posibility;
Diverting away from an aerodrome (especially to another single runway aerodrome) simply does not automatically solve the problem.
Does this instructor plan on having this "nearby aerodrome" stop all operations so that the diversion will not end up in the same situation there (but with less fuel and less options)?
Look at how we operate. We carry fuel to fly to destination, divert to alternate and after all that hold for 45 minutes. If the destination x wind is out of limits and we divert we arrive at an alternate with minimum 45 minutes fuel in the tank (hopefully some more). If that alternate's runway is blocked by an accident as we turn final, then what?
The student on first solo is effectively at their alternate (no alternate is required) and they will have a lot more than final reserve fuel (I hope).
As part of their risk assessment the training organisation will have considered various scenarios and the first (or subsequent) solo / blocked runway will be one and the organisation should have a plan to mitigate the risks in such a situation. It will be both organisation and aerodrome specific and while the staff will be aware, there is no requirement to make the student aware of the actions which will be very dependent on the situation.
I wonder does this instructor refuse to authorise first solos after a time when the student can complete 2 or 3 circuits, hold for 15 to 20 minutes, divert and hold for 45 minutes and still land well before either the alternate closes or the light fades? In otherwords - no first solo within 2 hours or so of sunset?
These instructors are usually the same day VFR people that insist on having an alternate and 45 minutes final reserve but arrive overhead the base aerodrome on the last flight 10 minutes before night.
