David
Asking you to fly without a fire extinguisher?
Go and see Deryck Gunning at ModernAir, Fowlmere.
A bit of a drive for you, I know, but when I lived in the UK, I flew out of there for several years.
His fleet are well maintained, used to be all Pipers.
I am sure other posters can recommend alternative organisations that are equally good.
One thing for sure, don't accept the cr*p you are being given.