It would have been nice if he could have found a club that had their own training planes to teach new pilots. Our club has 3 glow trainers and 2 electrics to take up interested and new pilots so it really falls upon the instructors to make sure that (1) the planes are in good flying condition and (2) they pay attention to what the pilot is doing so the plane stays in one piece and that the interested new pilot has a good first experience so they will either come back and try it again ( we allow them to come back 3 times ) or buy their own plane and equipment. If a pilot comes with their own plane and equipment we will have at least 2 experienced members ( these guys are the ones that don't like to take anyone up but are excellent grounds crew) that goes over the plane and equipment before it is even started. I have talked to people that are interested in getting started that have told me they want to check out our club and the instructing methods and then go to a couple others to see what they have to offer. GUESS WHAT, these guys/girls usually ALWAYS come back to us because of what our club has to offer, such as having our own planes to teach on,buddy boxes, information that was given to them be it magazines,where to go to get information, even other clubs to check out, but most of all OUR KNOWLEDGE & BEING FRIENDLY
So to me it is up to the person interested in getting into this hobby to check things out first to find the best route to take before even getting into the air.
Just wanted to add another 2cents worth
DougB1