I would shy away from an instructor who wants cash.
I totally agree. There are enough people willing to help that you shouldn't have to pay.
The only time I was ever involved in teaching and charging for it was at our club trainer day... we charged 2 buck's a flight... our planes, fuel and support equipment... all the students had to do is show up with a few buck's and have FUN.
That is a good idea and not unreasonable for someone to pay a little to cover expenses and help the club at the same time. I've seen lots of people drooling at the fence wanting to fly. It may be a good way to "set the hook"...LOL
The only down side is I've spent many day's out at the field with my planes put together ready to go and never ran a drop of fuel through them
Haven't we all been there!
I don't instruct airplanes now days, there are new guys that are doing that, but I do instruct helicopters. If I did both, i'd never fly my own equipment!
Always thank your instructor as a matter of courtesy, even if it wasn't a great session! He will be back for more if you do.
Rod