.........there is no actual shortage of applicants to the RFDS...........just a shortage of ones that they find suitable !
The RFDS are at times caught between a rock & a hard place when it comes to filling pilots postions. Some applicants are simply not experienced enough as per my other detailed typical scenario post amongst these pages but others are in some ways way over qualified (if that's possible) mainly due to the fact that their are numerous multi crew drivers out there that seek employment with the RFDS for one reason or another (pilots dispute had 'em looking in their hunderds at the RFDS)...............sure they where no doubt once excellent single pilot guys but have long since perhaps lost that thinking egde & now almost require help from the other seat.
Bushy yr right they (as in RFDS drivers) are rewarded in monetary terms better than GA in general & the rostering can be all over the place............but it's not about money in that business at the end of the day it's about careing, getting the job done the best way possible & helping others in need, RFDS is or can be a career making/having a real difference..........the "rewards" are but secondary 'cause we all love flying right?
Capt Wally