GoldenMonkey,
Sorry should have explained myself better for you, I was thinking worst case scenario when I came up with my figures. It may be the case that after 45 hours the school will say/suggest an additional amount of tuition ie; 5 hours is required.
Secondly the 5 hour check test in the UK referred to when you go to your local club, I've read several posts on here where people have been required to have lengthy check rides with the local club before they can hire a plane because the club may be concerned over the standard of training received in the USA and in particular the R/T procedure. The 5 hour figure is again worst case scenario.
Having spent several hours yesterday going through the figures it appears the saving is roughly £1500 - £2000 over doing a similar course in the UK. So I've decided that I'm going to take a few lessons over here and then go to the states to complete the PPL. The way I see it is that I will be able to practice the UK R/T procedure and get used to flying in UK airspace, then complete the course in a much shorter time.
My next decision is to decide which JAA school to go to!! I've got the choice down to three, two are in Florida (O.B.A and E.F.T) and the third (whose name I'm not allowed to mention) and is not in Florida. I'm actually swaying towards the non-Florida option but then one of the schools in Florida includes the night rating!
Decisions decisons..............