the return is not on the initial training itself
The fact that you can now go from ab-initio through to MEA-IR for a six figure Fee HELP debt - and there are still currently at least 22,000 kids ready to tick it up - says otherwise.
Not sure the large sausage factory, cookie cutter schools ever really have a long term viability, too dependent on economic conditions - when the 'pilot shortage' phase of the inevitable boom/bust aviation cycle collapses they tend to be too cumbersome to scale back.
Pre Fee-HELP times maybe... The government will have to stop handing out money for their model not to be viable. Instead they continue to increase the loan cap.
Side note; I love how people jump at the opportunity to take dodgy personal swipes at an outspoken public figure. The fact that Dick comes on here to converse with you plebs says that maybe he does give a hoot about the little guys. And still your insults roll off his back.