VW,

I suppose it's natural for students to be concerned about the time required to solo. But, like others have said....there isn't a set number of hours or flights. It may depend on how seriously your instructor takes your skill. That is, the more seriously he takes your abilities, the longer it will take you to "solo".

I think most instructors will tell you that they've had students who soloed after a few sessions (simulators are a great advantage) and other students that require a good deal longer to get "signed-off". I had a student that required a year of once-a-week sessions.

Along these lines, it ought to be mentioned that students who loose interest or enthusiasm for the hobby ought to discuss it with their instructor. The last thing one ought to do is waste the instuctor's time and their's by half heartedly going through the motions...not wanting to hurt or offend their instructor's feelings. At any rate, most instructors do what they do for the good of the sport and their students....so they are due some respect for the time they spend on the buddy box.

Back to the thread's topic: I generally don't place as much emphasis on time logged as on the amount of fuel expended. For instance....if a student is able to maintain an average of one flying session (4 or 5 dual instruction flights) per week they ought to be fairly skilled after three (and some odd) gallons of fuel burned by their .40 size trainer.

"Fairly" skilled means safe, competent and able to perform basic manuvers and consistantly make "smooth" landings. In other words, demonstrate they have the skills that put other club pilots at ease when shareing the flightline.

BTW, not usally mentioned in such threads, but important is the age of the student pilot. Young people learn fast. For whatever reason, senior students require a bit more time. It's a consideration that has a strong bearing on the length of time required to "certify".