Quick update
Ok. So at the end of the "shark" season, 2013, Austraian Aerial Patrol has completed less than 50% of its scheduled flights. This may be due to the "crew chief" grounding any flights that he's not personally on. Or I may be a giant cynic.
By the way DS, if your ASIC is only valid foy YSSY why do you wear it at YWOL?
There is an enormous amount of community money poured into this ridiculous establishment, for the supposed protection of the public.
I can say from first hand experience that the observers who are supposedly responsible for spotting sharks, although we'll intentioned, were also first hand witnesses to the sinking of the Titanic. Most of them have to be pointed to the aircraft.
Every pilot wants to build hours, but it is professionally embarrassing to associate with an organisation that is so completely amateur.
The only slick part of this enterprise is the GM dealing with the press.
I love absolutely every second I spend in the air. I know I'm not the only one. But we simply cannot accept that "New pilots work for nothing".
Charity status or otherwise, the money is coming in, where is it going?