Actually Destabilized...my memory appears to be clearer on fact than the assumptions made within your postings. You have made several points that I would like to address separately.
1. The Antarctic support was entered into at rates and arrangements made by previous employees... This was not a competitive process whereby commercial operators were undermined, undercut or any other adjective you’d like to slander us with. I remind you that any income from activity like this is utilised for the greater good of the community - ie our ongoing ability to dedicate one of our BK117's as the "Children’s Helicopter". Again you misunderstand what defines a charity. It is not where we gain our funding, but whether our objectives are being achieved (ie Aeromedical, Rescue and Fire Fighting services provided to the community without prejudice or personal gain...)
2. Fire Fighting has been a core function of our charity since our establishment in 1999 (as stated within our charitable objectives approved by the ATO when registered as a charity in 1999), and yes as you well know the fire services in Australia fund the expenses involved at realistic levels. LifeFlight charges no less than any other operator of BK117 helicopters.
Your quote that LifeFlight has "once again b*ggering up the commercial operators with low prices" is unfounded untrue and totally without foundation. Put in plain English ...your full of !!!!!
3. Finally there is something we can agree on, that is that LifeFlight would not be in existence without our valued sponsors - Powercor, Telstra, Westpac....etc They're all aware of our activities (including the Antarctic activity) and support our service 100% in our efforts.
I encourage you to telephone me to clarify these issues and discuss your concerns , otherwise I can only perceive your motives as questionable, ...seeking only to discredit our organisation without foundation or truth to your words. I note you fail to address my comments that it is hard to find a man's opinion credible when he hides behind a pseudonym to publicly voice it.....
I was typing an email an hour or so ago to a friend about the misaligned intentions of individuals such as yourself. It contained a statement that is worth sharing, it said "We'll flush out the hidden agenda's and get to the facts soon enough, just wish these p%#cks would spend as much energy on positive progression of the industry rather than this crap!
At the end of the day, not all like to be held accountable for their action or inaction.... and not all are going to agree with our principles and beliefs, ...but I am confident reasonable men and women (cant forget the girls) will agree with our actions, intentions and motives.
Brett Rankin
Destabilised - Your quote that LifeFlight has "once again b*ggering up the commercial operators with low prices” is unfounded untrue and totally without foundation.