Richard4366
Welcome to the forum.
I would suggest that you search the forum - and in particular the Private Flying forum where you will find all these answers to your questions.
Have you considered a visit to your local flying school - where 30 minutes talking to an Instructor will probably answer most of your initial questions.
I would suggest a quick visit to Blackbushe.
When you have a basic understanding of what is involved and done further investigation - feel free to come back and enquire in a more in depth manner.
I am closing this thread.