No they were doing normal rated takeoffs however in cruise they were running at 80% power to operate an extra bungles a day. Historically 3 scenic slots a day were booked. By running at a higher power setting, RK in his wisdom deemed due to the higher TAS they could offer a fourth flight a day and not bust flight time limits for the crew.
Add inexperienced crew to the mix, shortcuts on maintenance, apprentice engineers maintaining the fleet without supervision and RK himself and his personal problems and you get what we have here. It only took him 5 years to destroy what CM built up in 25.
It turned out after extensive research by lycoming that the higher power settings caused issues with the harmonic balance of the engines causing issues with the fuel distribution from the engine driven pump and the subsequent burnt pots and cyclinders. Or so the story goes.
RK was in the hole over one million or so as rumour has it in lost business and engine repairs. He also voiced his pending litigation to lycoming (good luck).
Splinter, yes I agree, there are other major issues with his safety culture however had he not embarked on this self induced destruction, he may have been able to recover the operation.
Back to the brick wall analogy, (or the Swiss cheese) quite simply he removed too many layers of safety built into an avaition organization, and as a result he is not financially sound to fulfill the obligations of his AOC.
CASA deem this as not being a 'fit and proper person'.
I hope the staff are not left in the lurch and find other avenues for their career.
I also hope CASA don't destroy the careers of the small folk who don't know any better. Namely the junior pilots and apprentice engineers.
Guys, I'd join the AFAP ASAP if you have not already.