Speaking of instructors that charge: I walked in on a very sticky situation at a field I was visiting when I offered some assistance to some new folks trying to get their trainer ready to fly. After it was ready they ask if I would test it for them. LUCKY ME ! I ask a club member what the club policy was for outsiders helping new people. The club member I ask informed me that he did most of the instruction and he got paid for it. I made the comment that I don't charge but if he was tied up and didn't mind I could help the new folks this time and then he could take over when he had time and I wasn't there. He agreed and the flights (5) went fine. Later I heard he got $15 an hr. your plane etc. and what ever happens happens. I have been to a lot of fields around the counrty and I have seen others that charge but most of the time the club instructors don't. If I take on a student and we get to solo and he wants to give me something I say that would be fine but I would rather you teach 5 new students. I have NO idea how many students (I) have taught this way.
Do what feels right to you!!!! Redhead