Lester Burnam
The RFDS cannot be considered as one entity, so please do not attempt to generalise. There are four sections, all operating under different funding models each with vastly different levels of expertise in each. You are correct in that the RFDS can gain from FBT exemptions, airservices exemptions etc. However they do suffer lack of efficiency from an archaic national structure, lack of fleet planning and purchase leverage and management duplication.
ie. to many chiefs!
On top of this the industrial relations situation pilot wise within SE Section and QLD section is by far the best of most if not ALL GA operators. This all costs money. It will be interesting indeed if CSection wins the NT contract. It will be the first job they will have won whereby they will be held accountable performance wise. Lets watch and see, what you pick up on the roundabout you lose on the hurdygurdy!!
SN