Yo...
So has Geoffy (if its him) worked out the # pax / month he needs to pay for 2 PT6's doing DN-TN-TNK return where 1 PT6 in front of a Caravan didn't make it ? And will the FO be wearing the pink ugg boots while out there pumping (fuel) ?
The point is really TNK itself. Tales from the crypt about Air North, Skyport, Guinea Airways, etc, are about the TNK of times gone by. The place is dying due lack of new mining and associated industry. Take a walk down the main drag (before 6pm) and count the closed boarded up shops.
The majority of air movements are RFDS/Charties airmed and Police Airwing. Anyone who wants to do RPT there needs to get all the government staff who now often fly to Alice and drive, or get a charter on Charties or Direct. They also need to get local member Elliot McAdam to spruike the service - he's been chasing a new operator since the last one went.
The 2004 Senate report on regional RPT said one thing: "Subsidies, or on ya bike". If Canberra wants to pay the difference to get Fed and NT gov staff there without paying for QF, the Troopy, a charter Baron, then maybe ?? But, my guess is no go due to the lack of non government pax who need an RPT - just too long and too thin, and any freight/mail you could toss in just wouldn't make up the diff. (Hey there's an idea; Charties could do it and throw in the Ucharonidge mail drop on the way !)
Maybe someone's got a new mine going and wants a crew change, and there's half your pax guaranteed by contract ?? Good luck, whoever. Geoffrey, just don't use the QueenAir mate....
TNK; best thing is the sheila in the house next to PLovatt's place; especially when wearing just the singlet.... but she's married .. owns a nice Bull Terrier, though.