Hi tim, you could go to a BAE event, which is designed for beginers, you just missed one at Wellsbourne Mountford, they will provide instruction and plane, well worth the day out. Try the web link for details.
I would suggest that before doing even a beginners comp. you do the AOPA cert, or at least some training for it, I would recommend
Ultimate High - Flying School, Air Displays and corporate entertainment ,but there are loads of schools out there and your own may even do this - and you do not even have to wait until after your PPL, the hours still count
