Thanks for all your posts, I didn't realise I had replies or I would have commented sooner. In fact, since that post I've moved on slightly about european travel and posted a new thread.
But in response to some of what you said, I don't want to replace what I use Rynair etc for, it's definitely for the fun of it.
I appreciate the advice about weather and leaving plenty of time, I didn't realise it was so weather dependent.
The cost is obviously large. I can afford the cost of frequent flying at my local airfield, and anything extra would be a treat / bonus / replace my current summer holidays.
Thanks again