"Much as we might love to believe otherwise - learning to fly (or many other similar skills) gets a lot harder and slower with age. It's nothing to be ashamed of - just how it is. That you doubtless know a huge amount about how aeroplanes work doesn't really change that because it's all about a strange combination of physical and mental skills that is fairly unique to the cockpit environment, and doesn't have a great deal to do with how much you know."
Thanks Ghenghis. I've come to accept the "old dogs, new tricks" factor but it's the lack of continuity because of the weather here that's prompted me to think about alternative strategies for completing my PPL. As far as the flying is concerned it's the landings, on grass runways with significant slopes and no longer than 650m that has proved the most difficult for me so far, valuable as this experience is.
"Hi, couple of things you did not mention.
Are you with the same instructor, i.e. they don't change on you?
Do you fly the same aeroplane?
Is your time freely available.
Do you spend much time flying with others and learning how they go about it?"
Thanks Maxred.
1. Yes, I've been predominantly with the same instructor.
2. Yes, I fly the same a/c - Cesnna 152
3. I'm retired and my time is freely available for the flying lessons.
4. Yes, I'm fortunate to fly quite regularly with other club members.
My main frustration is the lack of perceived consistency due to the weather - we,re on the edge of Bodmin moor - and this is why I think it may be sensible to complete my training elsewhere. I know it can take an age to achieve the PPL in the UK because of the weather but, being retired, I have the time to be flexible. Making the best use of this flexibility is my main reason for asking about alternatives.
I should make clear that not all my hours since first solo have been circuit consolidation. When wind conditions have not been favourable for circuits (often the case!), I've done other exercises, such as steep turns, PFL's and a little instrument flying.