TJF,
Aha yes I have heard that before but to be honest you will find that those clubs are just after your money. I have heard of one guy who when he told the instructor he had learnt in the US was told he would need " at least 5 hours extra training" BEFORE he had even flown with him. The guy held an IR at the time as well as a PPL and I believe he turned around and walked away!
As regards RT procedure, spend an hour or so ground school brushing up if required but to behonest I found the transition pretty easy.
Other items to factor in with US:
- No club membership fees.
- No landing fees.
- No approach fees (though not applicable to PPL students).
On the down side I have just been looking at flight myself as wanted to go to CA again in Sept but they are quoting £750 RTN!!! I think I may be delaying until Oct when all the kiddies have gone back to school and the prices drop again! (I paid £350 lasy yr to go in November and have got there for £200 before).
I have never factored in lost wages into my calculations as if I did I would never take any leave
Julian