Thanks for the update on this thread!
It stresses yet again my "message" that it really all comes down to the instructor/s available.
One of the EASA-approved instructors left while I was still there and I've kept in touch with my own instructor and I know he has left the school now, too. This obviously leaves a gap that may not have been filled as quickly as needed...
Incidentally, your story (long time to first solo due to landings) rings a bell. A fellow student while I was there had the same problem with - most likely - the same instructor but I don't want to go on and discuss individual instructors here.
I personally had a very capable (both in terms of flying and teaching) instructor, but it's a game of luck when you go "out there" (to any of the US schools without prior inspection).
Last edited by Rhino25782; 29th Jul 2013 at 14:40.