Mike, I quote:
"the hefty profits that I'm sure are stuck onto the lesson cost."
So you have detailed knowledge of the costs of running aircraft and the overheads of running a flying school do you? Do you even know what overheads are? Do you realise that aeroplanes cost money even when they are not flying?? How many years experience did you have in retailing and business management before your "A" levels? If none, I suggest you spend a year doing the bookeeping for an aviation organisation before implying that their prices are unreasonable.
In order to keep prices competitive most flying schools have to accept a profit margin of about 10% of turnover, which is a lot less than most retailers who would have a profit margin of about 40-50%.
Surprise, companies have to make profits or they go broke. Similarly clubs and charities have to cover their costs. Suggest you go to the library and get out some text books on economics and company law.
Have a nice day.
[This message has been edited by XENA (edited 23 May 2001).]