Thanks for the replies:
It is also my personal opinion that 3 week PPLs are not such a good idea because of the likelihood that crammed knowledge may not be properly retained.
As I say, I've virtually finished now, and will 'soldier on' until I get the weather to complete - I'm not interested in the USA at this stage.
What I am REALLY interested in is what PERCENTAGE of UK flying schools manage to actually get (some) of their students through in the 3 week frame, given our horrible & unpredictable weather!!
(and what happens to the students confidence in the school if they cannot deliver their promise)
ariel