Australian Companies have had machines and crews all working in North America in the last year. So its not really a valid argument. I know the crane has been in Australia for a number of years now and still no Aussie pilots or co jo's. Europe is a different story. The govts insist on some form of training for local pilots in the machine. Thats the way it should be. And who's not to say that Heli Aust wont be training local guys on the machines. Pineapples from South America and dumped beef from the states is hardly the same. Its not like these operators are rejects from the rest of the world. Once again the operators in Australia need to be able to support the helicopters 12 months of the year. $20,000 a month for a 212 stacks up when you are only flying 3 months. If there is an australian operator out there who will do that then tender away. Obviously these Australian companies have crunched the numbers and realised its better business to bring someone in and take a little than commit themselves and loose a lot. What do you think?