most of us clear our 1st solo at about +/- 15 hours of actual flying with an instructor. and then maybe another 6-12 hours before we are cleared to fly solo in the training area. and then +/- 15 hours before we go for PPL test.
after the initial PPL stage, 80% of the remaining flights are either SOLO flights, or MUTUAL(At this stage, both pilots should have at least PPL) until about 165hours. and then another 35 hours of Multi-Engine Flying and Instrument Rating. 165 + 35 = 200hours = CPL/MeIR
CPL/MeIR - The whole training of 200 hours consists of 100hours SOLO/Mutual , 100hours DUAL(instructor)
Private Pilot's License - the Holder is qualified to act as the Pilot-In-Command(can carry pax but not for commercial purposes)) on the type of Light aircraft that he is rated on. PPL-exam tests the student pilot on his ability to Take-Off/Land safely, fly safely, situational awareness, and ability to handle InFlight Emergencies.
CPL-exam is identical to the PPL-exam, except that the tolerance for error is lower now compared to PPL.
IR(intrument rating) - this rating allows the pilot to fly from A-B by only looking at their instrument. they only look outside during take-off/landing.
Multi-Engine Rating - allows the pilot to fly a multi-engined aircraft
this has been the "standard" syllabus all over the world.
your may be surprised to find that some really talented kids at 17/18 yrs of age can clear solo with only 6-8 hours of real flying experience.
if you walk into the cockpit or a modern jetliner, you may be surprise to find that the one sitting on the right is only 19-20 yrs of age, and in some sectors they are doing all the flying while the captain will just monitor.
Age doesn't matter, i think what matters is the basic training that they receive during their PPL stage.
My deepest condolences to the family of Ariff.