It's worth reiterating that Bill's abilities made him the primary resource for S&R work in the NW which created an ambivalence about prosecuting him
Back in the days when skills were far more valued than qualifications! Another private pilot, the late Dick Richey was also highly valued for his skills in SAR. Dick was another pilot of choice when the chips were down for some poor soul missing at sea. Sadly these days such skills would be overlooked in favour of qualifications. Both Billy and Dick would commence searches before even being asked. Remuneration was never a consideration.
The first time I met Billy, he gave me a long hard stare and raised an eyebrow after I introduced myself followed by; "what ya say ya name was?" After that we got on fine. It wasn't until I read his book that I discovered that his family and my relatives were sworn enemies from childhood and encounters often resulted in fisticuffs. Sadly you can't pick your relatives!