I started my training in January 2009 with ground school and had my first VFR flight phase during March and April 2009. After another phase of ground instruction, I continued my VFR training in October. The first flight after the ground school break was a check ride with an instructor who gave me the okay to fly solo again. I then continued with ground school and self study in November until the ATPL exams in February 2010. Recently I just "flew" the procedures trainer, and I am going to get airborne again by the end of this month.
Flying a small aircraft after a five month break was not a problem. When it comes to the mere handling of the aircraft it is like riding a bicycle. Getting to grips with the procedures again, however, was more of a challenge, and, in my case, took one or two flights. In the end some chair flying did the trick.