Comparing aircraft rentals and training costs.

Thanks!

As I'm chasing the PhD degree, I expect to be a student for 4-6 more
years. As I can hardly wait to fly a powered plane, I'd rather not go in
for glider-training before graduating to a powered plane.

I plan to start training in October, and I'll check out the aircraft and
instructor availability, and its effects on my training at each place in
greater detail.

At the university, I can choose any instructor; and there are two planes:
Cessna 152 and the Piper Warrior. It seems that members can rent out
planes for one weekend per semester. Members are expected to return
the aircraft with at least 3 billable hours for each 24 hour period
scheduled.

At the Northampton airport, there are six instructors, and 5 aircraft:
Cessna 152, one Cessna 172, Two Piper Warrior II's, one Piper Arrow. (It
seems that they plan to get a light sports plane in the near future.)
Some aircraft may be scheduled for longer than 24 hours here, but, there
must be between two to four minimum flight hours.

But, either website does not mention anything about checking out pilots
before renting out aircraft for ambitious flights. Is it a common thing?

--
Vishvas Vasuki