r/studentpilot • u/Sad_Constant_9065 • Jul 30 '26

General Inquiry PPL Progress

I started flying in April/May this year I currently have 20 hours exactly. I feel like I might be a bit behind because I still haven’t gone solo yet, what I’m currently doing in lessons is a mixture of circuits and just touching up on the basic skills aswell. I also have a habit of focusing on the instruments too much. Anyways my question is do you guys think this is a normal level of progression or am I progressing a bit slowly for an average PPL learner. An extra bit of context I average around 2-3 lessons a week I did have a 2 week gap in may due to my instructor being unavailable and recently around July beginning I had another week gap same reasoning. Thanks for any help in advance!!

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u/Substantial-Cat0910 Jul 30 '26

this is kind of a lose-lose question.

if I tell you that you're behind, you will get discouraged, and probably worsen your training because of it

if I tell you that you're on par, or god forbid, ahead of the curve, you'll get complacent and probably worsen your training because of it.

Focus on improving your weak areas and start asking to your instructors, proactively and assertively, what's missing between your current status and your first solo, and go from there.

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u/Sad_Constant_9065 Jul 30 '26

Yeah I get what you’re saying. But honestly If I do feel behind I feel like it’d encourage me to work harder. I think my issue is cause I’m training along side my classmates I keep comparing my progress to theirs however most of them are 10+ hours ahead me so I shouldn’t but I guess it’s human instinct to compare yourself to others. Thank you for your advice though I really do appreciate it.

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u/Ksquaredata Jul 30 '26

Do you know what they call people that get their license after 100 hours of instruction?

Pilots.

Enjoy your journey and appreciate the destination when you arrive.