Originally Posted by
DogDaysAreOver
End of the day would not say I am an excellent pilot (I didn't break any records when soloing!), or that I am particularly smart or talented.
The amount of time it takes someone to go solo has no bearing on future pilot success IMHO. I've seen some who went solo after a few hours, but basically plateaued when they reached a level they thought was comfortable. They learnt quickly, but not deeply.
Others who took dozens and dozens of flying hours before first solo are some of the best pilots I know, and make particularly good instructors. They have some real experience in overcoming problems they can use to help students overcome their issues as well. They also strive to self improve regularly, something the minimum time brigade doesn't do.