IIRC it was the good doctor who purchased 558 and the 600 odd tons of spares initially and invested a not inconsiderable sum of his own money in the long term hire of the hangar and the stores and so on and so forth.
It was also a 'last resort' in getting the HLF interested as the condition (charitable Trust status) effectively meant him handing over his asset and subsequent investment for no financial return...
So whilst it is correct to press for answers it has to be done with the knowledge that the person 'in charge' has every reason to feel justified in his approach and the results it has so far achieved... in actually getting to the stage where money is the biggest obstacle.. not the CAA or insurance world..
As for the finances of a Charity; the publication of audited accounts for the previous financial year is the only information we have a 'right' to know...certainly the fact that HLF monies are involved does not give an automatic 'right' to know all of details beyond that...so whilst we may think it judicious in
PR terms; to be more open its not an obligation.
I think the good doctor has invested time in ensuring his links with both other a/c operating companies and other avaition bodies is as current as it could be... presenting the project to the HAA (at the RAFM) in Ocotober 2005 and to the RAES at Boscombe Down, in April 2006...
And sad to report that 'unexpected' costs and funding issues is inherent in this type of work...and any contract a contractor will sign up to is always going to have a clause that permits claiming of additional monies...similary no
PR company will agree to a solely 'performance' based contract.. the work has to be done regardless of getting the results required.. its all 'at risk' for the employer. You would get a better rate from somebody who personnally belives in the cause and has the werewith all to do so..