FNG
You miss the point. We are not talking money here, we are talking attitude. If the option is available I will choose the airfield that will not charge me, if I don’t, I land whatever the cost is. My life worth more than £10, £20 or even £2569.99.
Pilots are people and people have memory. If you help me when I am desperate I always be at your debt, if you won’t you will never see me again. The waived charge is minimal, we do not divert every day. Airfields like Cranfield will see more diversions due to the ILS facility, but Earls Colne? Have they got more than a piece of grass to offer? What is wrong with them allowing a free landing? The £10 will not brake their bank or mine, but it will create a lot of good will and I might come back.
Two years ago I flew a rented Archer to La Baule where I discovered that the nose wheel was broken (and no, it wasn’t me who broke it). A guy from the small club on the field who was on his way home put his overhaul on and reproduced the needed part (about two hours work). They also provided me with tools and a crane so I can fit it. Before departure they provided me with 1.5l of oil, all at no charge and with a big smile. I have returned the next day with bottles of wine and boxes of chocolate paid my landing fees and was happy as one can be. Now I fly there every year. It is also much nicer than Le Touquet etc.
Can you see it happening in the UK?