i think the point is covered well, rising fuel, rising AOC charges, with another large rise planned for next year, it will get very tight, we only have to go back a few short years and look how an AOC has changed, no CAM, no quality manager, the cost are already high to hold an AOC, regading the N reg flying, its not about them being competative or a safety issue, its about breaking the law whilst everyone else employs the staff, holds themselves up to be accountable and traceable, or you can just do it from your back garden with no liability or overheads...mmmmm i wonder