As an ex-teacher who made it all the way (and it took about 10 years!) I would warn you about these rapid learning courses. During my years as as a flying instructor I came across several cases of people who had done three week PPL courses, held a valid licence and then wanted a check ride after a layoff of a few months. They could not even achieve 1st. solo standard - and this was after attempting to check out with several different instructors! i.e. if you aquire these skills rapidly, then you will lose them just as rapidly without continuous practice. If you want to get your PPL, what do you want to do with it? If you only want to spend, say £5000 gaining a sense of achievement then O.K. but if you want a skill and licence that you can use in the long term then don't worry about how long it takes you. Join a club, learn to fly, make some new friends and enjoy your new hobby. Also If you take a year - flying say at weekends you will have an opportunity to experience flying in all sorts of different weather which will make you a better pilot. If you end up doing the same as me, then I can assure you that being qualified to supply teach when you get made redundant is an extremely useful ability to have.
best wishes
[ 18 February 2002: Message edited by: P.Pilcher ]</p>