Why be selective in timing your flights? Surely the idea is to go flying when you want or when the opportunity arises, and if you're training, it may be aircraft of instructor availability that dictates when you fly.
As for the arrangement at Carlisle, how much does it cost you to get there and back in a PA28 at Newcastle; and then there the landing fee to pay!
If you've got to go to Carlisle, its cheaper by car.
EGNT busy? That's the funniest thing I've heard in years!
Be honest with the lad, he should shop around VERY carefully.