IanPZ, yes indeed, it's a very expensive undertaking. In my case approx. E3/min including about 10 minutes on each occasion waiting for liners to land/take off. There was a time when I would have been glad to pay this for such a good vantage point. Having said that, every time I step out of the plane after my lesson I feel completely thrilled. You need to find a balance between what you can afford and not leaving too long between sessions. I have covered some of the cost by not changing my car ( something I generally do every 3 yrs). I have many hobbies but this is the only one that gives me an overwhelming sense of being "alive".