I think chook that if you re-read TET's last post, he was commenting on the a/c's performance whilst working fires (bucket brigade) and the impression is that the a/c was a slug (not a star performer).
I think he is saying that the a/c may have been tired, (?? how does a turbine get tired
) before it got there.
The earlier post about locals not crewing it have been answered.
I wonder if my experience on B206 in hot conditions in Mildura would help get a job up north? DA of 3000' + in summer.