I only have one thing to say Pete. Be patient. I just started my AFF and quickly learned that students have to wait a long time (unles you're lucky which I hope) to jump sometimes.
I guess things get a lot better once you have your A licence though.
THe reasons are juggling the instructors with tamdems (which usually come first) and students ) in busy season can be tricky (avoid WE) and weather (which needs to be perfect for aff students) if you live in a difficult area, like England ;). But I'm also next to the New Egland White mountains, which has got to be the most unpredictable place on earth.
It's worth it to take a 3-4 week vacation to arizona or africa or somewhere nice and remotely predictable weatherwise, come back with your A licence and jump all you want at your local DZ.
good luck
