Seems like I go backwards between sessions at the flying field, when I can only get there once a week (not at all last week!!!) If I can get enough flights in a session then I make some progress, otherwise it feels like I'm in a holding position.

When getting close to being cut loose from the instructor, did other folks find they needed a good run of 3-5 sessions over a short period to really build up momentum?

BTW, in the US, does the AMA have a test that you take after which you don't need an instructor? Or does every club do its own thing? I'm from the UK - we have the BMFA 'A' certificate over here which pretty much every club recognises as a basic standard of competency.