Winnie:
Cheers Gordy, wish we could sit down over a beer one day, next time you are in Michigan, let me know, I'm just across the border into Canada...
You are welcome. Many years ago I instigated similar rules. All students had to pass a "stage check" with a senior instructor prior to going solo. This check allowed us to maintain standards and was also a check of the instructors abilities.
I head out on contract in two weeks---Missouri first and will be headed ti Michigan on April 20th again....