Muffin, as a microlight school proprietor hoping to start offering three-axis training, I was dismayed to read your post.
And it cannot be good for the sport (flying, as well as microlighting) if potential instructors cannot get in the air.
It is true, there are a limited number of FIC instructors. And many of them have more than a few threads to their business - ie running an airfield or impoirting aircraft(as Paul Dewhurst does with the Skyranger). However committed they are, there is a limit to their time.
As for the money, in any business model each item should be priced according to its worth to the business - then price becomes the rationer and demand settles at what apacity can provide. So I don't think it is the hassle - in fact with the majority of the course spent in the classroom it is guaranteed money in this British weather!
And of course some FIC instructors - Paul Dewhurst, world microlight champ several times over etc etc pops into mind again- are in huge demand for instructor renewals too, which also eats into time.
John Teesdale's site
www.airsportstraining.co.uk is up and running this morning, and gives the following prices:
Assistant Flying Instructor course :
15 hours flying, 40 hours ground-school
On our aircraft : £2,100 + aircraft time ( currently £81.00/hr )
On your aircraft : £2,100
Gerry Breen is not a "holiday". He works you very hard, so is excellent value since you learn lots more than you might need for exams - but, of course, still not enough to handle every student query!
Marcus at Perth also flies in Gap Tallard - if you want that "holiday" - but you might have to provide your own aircraft (although there is an AX200 for sale on www.afors.co.uk for just 7,500 - so not prohibitive)
If no-one really is available, the last resort would be to ask the CAA if you could do a course on your own microlight with a light aircraft FIC instructor. Most things involving microlights seem to involve dispensations now - including the issue of a microlight instructors rating on an NPPL!
Very best wishes, it might be hassle but it is worth it,
Colin