Franks….the deal with the credit card is this:
Qualified ADF pilots that are posted to ground jobs (typically admin / HRM / Ops support / Training) are able to hire civil aircraft and go flying, usually in a light twin, using a credit card issued specifically for this purpose. The system was set up in the early 90s to maintain some semblance of flying currency. However in typical bureaucratic style there were many silly restrictions put in place ('we cant give the pilots more than the others…'), funding has not increased over the years, and not surprisingly the system is not used by many as it is just not worth it.
Fortunately, the tall-poppy syndrome is dying and the system has been review by intelligent bods to motivate pilots, and keep them in touch with flying aircraft instead of desks, rather than resign. Although not formally announced, over the next few months it is likely that funding will be increased and many of the silly restrictions lifted. I envisage that most aircrew in ground jobs will then use it, and be able to hire better and faster aircraft. However nothing is certain until written in black and smudge!