A few years ago a local airport tried the same trick over here. I won't mention the airport but they were the only ones at that time I was aware of carrying out this daylight robbery, greedy buggers. I basically told them to get lost.
Most airport companies over here have sprung up from local council beginnings and have been corporatised into a money making venture instead of just being a community facility. There seems to be a never ending contest to have the longest runway, fanciest terminal, or international status even though passenger numbers don't provide for such extravagances. They try to support their illusions of granduer, with excessive fees and other cunning money grabbing ideas.
They have a monopoly and take full advantage of that fact.
P.S. Simon there's no need to have to go below 500 ft AGL to complete a training exercise for an instrument approach so I presume you wouldn't bother sending an account in this situation.
Last edited by 27/09; 6th Jun 2012 at 08:54.