24Right assumes that a student gets to the checkride with only 45 hours of combined dual and solo time. This is certainly possible, if one has reasonable aptitude, good instruction, and undergoes training on a regular basis. Unfortunately, those criteria are not always present. In particular, poor weather, limited cash, other personal commitments, and unavailability of instructor or aircraft often combine to stretch training out over a prolonged period, so that much material has to be relearned. Most honest flying schools or instructors will confirm that the average time to a PPL is closer to 60 hours than 45; and one would be prudent to budget accordingly.

Sans Anoraque: With the nonsensical red tape imposed post 9/11, taking instruction in Canada, S. Africa or Australia would be more hassle-free than the good ole USA. Yes, hurdles in the States are surmountable, but why bother?

Boing_737, yes, G-BNRG was repaired a while ago now and is as good as she ever was despite being almost written off by that cretin in the Il-76 who, having been told to stop by the marshaller due to his dangerously fast taxiing speed, proceeded then to firewall his engines when being parked in a petulant gesture. Barsteward caused over £40k worth of damage and their crooked insurance in Moscow refused to pay! In the end we were about £8k out of pocket...

RAF Flying Clubs may, at the discretion of the Club, accept up to 50% of their members as 'associates' - this includes plain vanilla civvies if there's a free slot. So the answer to your question is yes, you could join if you so chose. Of course there'd be a background security check due to the BZ Club's location on MoD property.

Some people manage to get through the course in about the minimum time - I've recently flown a Skill Test on an excellent pilot who had 45:10 hours by the end of the test! That was in Feb/Mar as well!!