I learn't in one of my first cracks at business, (****, I sound like Sunfish
) that there's all sorts of business risk that you must manage. When that risk comes from government (policy, legislation etc) you're at more risk than a 'normal' business. That's part of the reason a pilots licence is so expensive. And these mobs are wearing it big time. They're not dead ducks, but they are terminally ill, in palliative care. Begging and pleading with god (Comrade Andrews) for a miracle cure whilst swallowing the bitter chemotherapy drugs.
And absolutely, never pay for jack up front in aviation.