Glad you understand my comments as they are meant. My advice on the PPL, then, would be this, WHEREVER you do it. Do NOT put yourself under pressure. Do it at a comfortable pace. It's not a race. It is the FOUNDATION of the rest of your flying hobby/career. Don't race through it, rather try to understand and digest everything you learn. Nod and zip. Worry not about hours to do PPL. Some are apparently "ready" to test at 35 hours, others at 70. I was 60 hours at an RAF club, and any subsequent feedback/comments on proficiency have been excellent. Be ready for test, not racing a deadline. My solo qualifying cross country was nearly as long as my CPL cross country. Covered more instrument flying than 15 hour IMC course itself during PPL. Think strong foundation.. Do not hourbuild with GPS!!!! Wizz wheel, meticulous planning, and fly far from base so you get buttterflys in your stomach. It is the best way to learn navigation, airmanship, problem solving etc. ENJOY the training. At the end of the day, despite all the gloom, we are a LUCKY bunch just to get to a Frozen ATPL.