Re: just starting ppl
 

Best time for Florida is either early Spring or end of October into November - The October/November time is actually best because the wx is as good as Spring but Florida is empty until after Thanksgiving.

Re: just starting ppl
 

Andy, If you have been to Florida then do yourself a favour and go somewhere else :) Southern California is nice in spring. Don't worry about giving money in advance to the places that get recommended on this forum. You can get decent discounts by paying $1000 at a time. You will spend it before they get the chance to steal it (That's a joke)

Re: just starting ppl
 

"In the UK all flying training must be at a licenced airfiield which has to have air traffic control by radio. Therefore anywhere you train in the UK whether it is busy or quiet will have air traffic control".

Licenced airfields in the UK may have allocated radio frequencies but many do not have a live ground base.

Re: just starting ppl
 

One further issue which needs mentioning, Andy, is how you intend to use your licence when you get back.
Consideration needs to be given to the continuing cost of keeping your license, and paying for your flying once you've got it.
I don't know what you do for a living but regular GA flying in the UK is a significant financial commitment.
You might like to consider the NPPL route or NPPL(M) - Fixed wing 3-axis microlights like the Ev-97 TeamEurostar or Ikarus C42 are just as much fun to fly but are significantly less costly than the regular GA stuff. There is less to learn overall, and there are some restrictions to the licence, but are just the ticket if you are going to be doing an hour or two a week in fair weather! Lots of UK clubs going that route too!
Try to sign up with a club that's not too far from where you live - turning up knackered after a long drive is not a good recipe for an enjoyable and fruitful lesson/flight - it's supposed to be fun!
Lots of good advice on this thread so far guys, hope we're not putting you off Andy !
Good luck!
BS