I agree totally. Part of the problem is that while the principles of teaching, learning and presentational techniques are included in the instructor course, very little time is spent on these important areas.
I disagree that the airlines are at fault. They simply pick what they consider to be the best of what is available. In the current UK system more hours = more chance of a RH seat job with an airline. If there was no easy method of hour building via instruction, the airlines would still take the best of the available pilots but these pilots will have less hours. No problem.
In dealing with the PPL (JAA or NPPL) one must at all times remember that it is a recreational licence.
In order to support the recreational aspect of the PPL, the JAA place few restrictions on organisations providing training. There is no need for them to be approved. All they have to do is send in a form to the CAA and get a free certificate in return.
Pre-JAR, many flying clubs could train their own instructors. Now unless they are an FTO, thay can not. Unlike many flying clubs, FTOs have an objective of making as much money as possible. Nothing wrong there since that's why they are in business. Consequently, the costs of courses are high and will remain so as long as there is sufficient demand.
If the CAA assisted flying clubs (RTFs) in obtaining limited FTO status for the purpose of training instructors, the cost of training and maintaining future club instructors could be reduced.
People in aviation for recreation could then quite easily obtain instructor qualifications on their PPLs and put back in something in return for what they got out.
There is nothing to prevent a flying club providing sponsorship for a suitable candidate to undergo an instructor course in house or at another FTO.
Should a club sponsor a member through a FI course, they could bond that instructor for a certain period if required. However, they are guaranteed to get at least 100 hours because until the restrictions are lifted the instructor is not attractive to any FTOs.
As with every voluntary recreational activity, not everyone will be willing (or able) to put something back in but in many cases, people who have not paid for their flight instruction will be more willing to provide the same service to newer members of their club.
Recreational instructors who don't get paid are getting free flying which is a nice saving when log book experience is cross checked against bank balance.
Could it be that a culture change is required with more true flying clubs at PPL level and fewer flying schools making money from PPLs.
Regards,
DFC