Is it not the case that students learn alot from flying solo? I know that I did. It certainly focuses the mind when you realise that it is all down to you.
I don't understand why people need to learn the majority of the PPL course before being allowed to go solo? Is it not a question of them being safe to fly the circuit and deal with certain abnormal circumstances should they arise? How can this take 50 hrs?
Of course there are circumstances that make each PPL different ie weather, instructor, time, student ability etc etc. However, I can't help thinking that if individuals are not going solo after a reasonable number of hours then they are being milked like any cash cow. There must be an element of this and it's a disgrace at approximately £100 per hour.
It probably says more about the flying school or instructor than the student.
Surely it is similar to learning to drive. Get the basics in place, make the student safe, pass the test, then in reality learn how to drive when you have your licence.
Regards