^ This is what I am least looking forward too. I did a few hours with the University Air Squadron and got more than a little stressed about RT. I assume listening to liveatc.net is not the same?
With reference to the 'flexible' payment terms, Ravenair do a PPL package (45 hours) for £6,500. I'd like to pay £1000 a month for 6 months, rather than, as you put it, lend them the money! If I pay for each lesson at a time, plus the extras it will be closer to £8,500, so there is also the siginificant cost saving as well as the reduced risk.
I didn't get the kit below, I plumped for the Oxford books, a PPL confuser, CRP-5 & the other stuff Shunter mentioned. Came to just over £200, which I think is reasonable.
Will wait to try a few headsets as I'd imagine it's quite a personal thing...