Thanks Boss - sounds like perhaps I should emigrate rather than just visit.
Just to clarify - I'm only a student at the moment so it'll be a case of wherever the instructor wants to take me. The idea is to get used to the way things are done in the US before going to one of the JAA schools out there later in the year. Probably won't learn much but I couldn't go all that way an and NOT go flying, could I? I'm hoping to go back there with the family and do some of the things you suggested when I actually get a license (and a few hours on top as well).
The main thing was to get feedback on AA. They seem prettly well organised and reliable then? By the way, I am in a Warrior which is currently $68/hr + instructor. I'm going to buy a headset over there so I'll do this first.
Thanks