The implication was that I had to cover the cost as the student pays a one up fee for the course in advance and this was an unplanned expenditure. I was more miffed with the sarcastic tone after I had made my fist ever 'real' diversion and dutifully phoned in.
I'll not pay it and as the student will need extra hours I will press for it to appear on that bill. The student will not mind.
The airfield in question is Halfpenny Green just West of Birmingham. I am suprised thatthey charge like they do. I got a nearby RAF base to telephone them to inform them of my imminent arrival. I did not require parking for more than an hour, nor fuel or other facilities. The police unit let me use their phone to call base. I departed after they were closed. Easy money for them I reckon and not condusive to safety.
I think that a fast moving thunderstorm moving overhead your home airfield makes for a genuine emergency diversion in a light aircraft. With one hours fuel safe remaining etc.
I would not wish to give an overly negative iew of my school. I am busy, the aircraft (fairly) safe and the CFI and fellow instructors are a good and professional bunch. I am booked onto an IR in 7 weeks and if I land a non-instructional job soon after then its not really worth me moving on to pastures new.
Safe flying,
WWW