How true is this post? Time shows its absolutely 100% spot on.
In the mid 90's there were seven operators in Guam. Hansens operated relics from Vietnam with military 63-A-5 engines... not even a proper C18'. They bought them by the container load ex military scrap sales . They purchased some civilian 500's over the years, and removed the C20's and put in old 250hp dash 5 engines.
They were able to force the prices down by their shoddy operations and as a result other operators shut up shop. The same actions meant that pilots salaries were kept low. Other operators couldn't increase rates. In the mean time pilots died in Hansens death traps built from junkyard hulls . They have now been caught up with by the FAA , FBI and the Department of Justice. They have been caught out with a number of helicopters literally purchased from an Italian scrap metal dealer rebadged with false airworthiness and registrations. People have died in these flying tarted up scrap boxes.