thanks a lot for those ideas, I will also check out those forums you mention.
I have a bunch of books that I've accumulated over the years -- Jeppessen private pilot textbooks, Rob Machado, the FAA pilot handbooks, glider books, all sorts of stuff.
I have been wanting to do this for a long time, and know much of the theory, just have never dived in.
I'll be glad to let you know how it goes, and thanks!
ps. it does seem that this is kind of a UK or intl oriented forum...