The average United States pilot in WWII had a couple hundred hours, at
least, some more, before going overseas. Then there was sometimes
familarization (sp) flights, which also included going with an
experienced crew for one or two missions (in case of bomber pilots)
before taking over in their own plane.

The Battle of Britian pilots had it worse. Many had like 10 hours or
even less in type (spit or hurri) before entering combat!

As for the thread subject, I agree, 10 days for a PPL is too fast. It
makes more sense as a "finish up" type course, like many of the
IFR-in-a-week courses are. Thats where you already have most of your
hours, and need to polish up, take the written, etc. That sort of thing.

John