BTW, there are small flight schools where you can get C152 or similar for 70-90 bucks rental, plus instructor extra for dual. Sure, most of your training towards PPL would be dual, but then you can do some jolly flying towards minimum hours. Many do their PPL in C152, some hour building and then instrument flying training in C172 or PA28 etc, more stable and better equipped planes. You need to do some complex hours (variable pitch prop and retractable gear) towards/during CPL training anyway.
Also, in the FAA system you can cross-credit various hours dual and PIC from other flying, ie helicopters, gliders, gyros, think some LSA time as well.
I'm not saying you're going to do all this, but if you're good, like gliding, rack up some solo gliding time, it could count towards the total time and total PIC times for CPL issue.
I've done some heli flying to PPL standard (licence not yet, some delays, funding, time, studies etc in the way), asked the planks instructor at that RW and FW school in Oregon and he said that if one's good, all the maneuvres for CPL checkride (if not counting all the bits and bobs like night time, IMC flying/training etc) could be done within 20-30h of dual instruction.
Work hard, try to have fun. If you don't have rich parents, going it via Associate degree through community college helps - disbursement of federal student loan that can cover practical flight training, not relying on commercial loans like SLM etc. Quite a few flight schools would tell you all the details. Something like that isn't in the UK although if young enough, teenagers and early 20s studes can get hold of some free time through RAF sponsorships etc.
Don't forget to do some networking and once you're confident PPL holder, some nice trips with friend or two should lower the cost of rental, as long as it's equal :-D
FAA website has some of their books online in PDF format. Check it out.
Also, FARs or CFR available online below.
GPO Home Page Click on Title 14, then part 61 and then part 61.129 will show you cross-crediting options. You may not take advantage of it, but you can.
Gliding will make you better pilot and could save you a bacon one day if things go pear-shaped in power aircraft. I try to do some gliding these days.
Enjoy