CAA Licencing rip off?

[SID PLATE]

A Grand Day Out...

I recently 'converted' my UK ATPL to a JAR ATPL.
Arriving at 0815 at the grey and forbidding CAA building at LGW, on a cold and misty December morning, I found I was sixth in the queue for the 0900 opening of the licencing office.
My UK licence was handed over at 1015, and I was told to come back for the new one at 1600. (Did the crossword, went for a walk, wandered round a car dealers, played about with a laptop, and bought a Mars bar.)
I collected my 'new' licence at 1530 (result!), and was charged over £280. ..including the type rating transferral.
The only apparent difference between the bits of paper constituting the licences is that the new one now says 'Joint Aviation Authorities'. This works out at about £11.66 per letter... assuming spaces are free.
I'm now free to 'exercise the priveleges', of my new, improved licence, and know, deep down, that I will be a better pilot when doing so. I will be able to practice my CRM in several languages, and will be more tolerant towards my incompetant and indifferent mainland European handling agent colleagues.
However...
Is there anyone out there with specialist knowledge, who can explain how the CAA can justify charging such an extortionate amount for pressing a few computer keys, and then hitting the 'print' button?

[judge11]

Needless to say you aren't the first and will not be the last in questionning the exhorbitant fees charged by FCL. I think their excuse is that they have a remit to be 'self financing'. Nevertheless, FCL remains (unchallenged) as one of THE great British rip-offs, overstaffed and overpaid. Unless you can get your MP to put in a written question to the relevant minister asking the CAA to justify its fees you are, like the rest of us, urinating into the wind. It's the very worst example of a state controlled monopoly.:{

[sinkingship]

Yep its a rip off, I remember years ago i sent my PPL papers and money, got a receipt back within a few days stating the money has been deposited, and then 3 weeks later my licence.

[CNTDSCT]

The question to your question i believe is: What does the CAA provide you undirectly as a pilot outside of a mere licence issue?.

[sinkingship]

Fair point, The CAA does provide a good system compared to other parts of the world.

[londonmet]

Fair point, The CAA does provide a good system compared to other parts of the world.

A good point however in the grand scheme of things pointless. It doesn't matter where in the world or what transaction - what you look for is value for money.

FCL charge too much for mere paper work. I can understand being charged £100 for same day passport replacement for example.

L Met