They had the same tie-cutting "tradition" at a club I used to fly from in Holland.
The Dutch are canny businessmen, though..... the poor unsuspecting student would show up not expecting to be sent solo, so without a tie. He'd be sent off solo, and on his return he'd have to buy a nasty polyester club tie, which the instructor would then cut off!
The students were all so elated that they fell for it.
The club must have made at least £10 profit on each tie!
