JustMe wrote:
(snip)
I unfortunately find myself in the latter category... 47.7 hours and
no solo yet. Only two issues remain: simulated instrument flight and
landings.

With simulated instrument flight, (snip)

Proficiency in simulated instrument flight is not a requirement to be
able to solo at the private pilot level. The goal of simulated
instrument instruction is to empower a non-instrument rated pilot to be
able to safely make a 180 degree turn out of instrument conditions that
are inadverdently encountered (what was cloud clearance again????).. or
to hopefully allow you to descend through an overcast you have become
stranded above (again.. plan properly, stay abreast of conditions and
you should never need this EMERGENCY procedure). Your instructor should
set strict enough "solo limits" that should prevent you from
inadverdently encountering instrument conditions.

Landings. (snip)

If you can safely take the plane around the pattern on your own without
breaking it, yourself or another other objects, then you should be near
the point you can be solo'd in the pattern.

If you can get from point a to point b without being corrected by the
instructor, you may even be ready for solo flights between airports.

I don't think it's the instructor.

It MAY be your instructor.

(snip)

Constructive suggestions or criticisms welcomed. Please refrain from
only saying 'don't give up'.

Ask to fly with another instructor or with the chief flight instructor
for a second opinion. This is a perfectly valid approach to take. If you
dont feel that the staff at THAT school can give you an honest second
opinion, go find a freelance instructor or another school. It would be
PREFERABLE to take this "second opinion" ride in the same type of
aircraft you have been training in.. less to "learn" while demonstrating
your stuff.

Granted, only your side of the situation has been presented here.
Something appears amiss. The instructor works for you.. that doesnt mean
that he should "sway" or "bend" his principles and standards because you
are handing over money.. what it DOES mean is that as the consumer you
have the right to get your money's worth of training and experience, and
the right to take your self and your $$ elsewhere if you dont feel you
are getting value. Talk to the current instructor. Get the
"deficiencies" listed, in writing. Find out what he/she's thinking.
Shop around. If two or three instructors from different schools ( after
a few hours with you) all feel that you arent able to solo safely (or
progress to completion of your PPL) then maybe flying isnt your best
choice for a hobby.

Dave
Not a flight instructor, just a pilot.