I had to estimate total PPL cost about 2-3 years ago for an article. At that time I estimated a WHOLE cost of nearly £7000 in London dropping to something well over £5000 as you moved away from there- included everything however minor - medicals, membership, etc and assuming people learning at weekends and taking nearer 60 hours than 45. I know it's easier in one sense to learn in the UK, but you can't really blame people for going abroad (eg: SA about £3000-ish nowadays all-in) - that's an awful lot of savings to use back here. However, it's not just money is it:
Whilst researching the costs, I drove into an airfield reasonably near London (but not M25 country) and visited 2 well known schools as a 'drop in' customer.
1- Despite 'looking like I wanted attention', I was totally ignored at the counter for over 5 munutes whilst 2 young instructors in nice black trousers, white shirts and dark blue 'pullies' who were supposed to be manning the desk stood back and talked about possible airline interviews. Finally after 5 minutes a 3rd older part-time instructor at the back of the room who had been doing an excellent job debriefing a trial lesson looked up from it and said "you are bring dealt with aren't you?" and was horrified to hear that I wasn't
2- I went into the other school. Both guys who were supposed to be behind the desk (even nicer uniforms) were in front of it, blocking the way as they were watching and discussing a rugby match on TV. I had to say 'excuse me' to get through between them to the brochure stand by the counter where I deliberately looked at the basic 'PPL' brochure for 5 minutes, without any comment from them. I then decided to see if they would actually let me leave without talking to me. I had to say 'excuse me' again to get out. I was in there for 5 minutes and the only words passed between me and the staff were me saying 'excuse me' twice, once to get in, once to get out.
