Does taking a long time to solo mean that I'll take a long time for training in general? I have a fairly high (in my research - 80hrs and counting) flight hours and still no solo, with landings having been a major reason. There is definitely progress - but I am not convinced I'll solo before 100. I am 43 in decent shape and reasonably coordinated (no red flags).  In addition to being expensive and frustrating it begs a question whether any subsequent flying activities like an instrument rating would also take significantly longer (thus being more expensive and frustrating) and - more importantly - whether it is an indicator that my future piloting skills will always be mediocre.

My CFI says that "everyone hits a plateau" but I am concerned that past may be an indicator for future...

Couple notes to address comments
- I have passed my medical
- Hours were spread over 10 months and there was a 2-3 month lull (due to weather + ski season) in winter and 1 month break in summer.  Otherwise I was pretty religious about 2-3/week lessons.
- I actually changed CFI at about 50hr mark and quite like how my current CFI teaches

So while it would be nice to look at outside issues - I think the problem is more likely to lie with me than with others...  Now back to my original questions...

Any thoughts?
Yes, that much time pre-solo is a huge red flag.

If you have 80 flight hours logged and no solo, unless there is some unusual extenuating factor (e.g. those 80 hours were spread over many years), something is seriously wrong. Either:


You do not have the right aptitude for flying
Your instructor is incompetent, or
Your instructor is deliberately milking you.


If the instructor hasn't already had a frank discussion with you about your progress and prospects by this point, that would indicate #2 or #3.