RE: cost of a flight instructor?
JR16,
There should never be a charge for lessons from a club instructor, but if you require specific scheduling and/or odd timing then buy the guy some glow fuel or a gift cert. to a LHS. I would shy away from an instructor who wants cash.
Most instructors do it for the love of the hobby. This hobby is filled with free advice and help. Some of it is good and some is BAD. In time, you will learn to tell the difference.