Thanks FL1ingfrog,my problem is obviously the hour with instructor bit,sounds like there is no way round it and I will have to get in line with everyone else for the 'essential' hour with an instructor.When I was forced to convert my old 1990's ppl I was advised the LAPL would be the cheaper route if nothing else other than the medical was likely to become a self certify set up,I'm hoping it goes that way soon,oh for the simpler days of 1990's general aviation!