I believe that Derby Airfield has a rule which states that no student pilot may use 10/28, unless under instruction by a Derby Flying Club instructor, because of the shortness of this particular runway. Apart from this restriction, I think students can use the remaining runways for solo circuits and even First solos.
I'm revalidating my PPL there, and expect to be allowed to solo there - that is if I ever regain the knack of landing :o I'm reading the Landings thread with interest...
Edited for spolling and to re-iterate the comment that Derby is a jolly good place to learn. The club is friendly and professional - what more do you want.
The shortish runways just encourage prompt "go round" decision making.
Si's comment about RT is valid. If commercial is your final destination, EMA would be better in that respect. Don't get me wrong - I'm not knocking A/G (at Derby or anywhere else) - IMHO all students pilots should be given enough experience of both A/G and full ATC to allow them to visit Derby or EMA and be safe in both environments. But if commercial is where you're going, A/G will be less important.
[ 16 August 2001: Message edited by: tacpot ]