I think it's more like this: If they stopped making payments, it's safe to say they might be cutting corners in maintenance as well.

"We just watched and waited until the crew checked into their hotel", Popovich says, "then we grabbed their plane and flew away."

That certainly doesn't sound like they're doing a lot of inspection to ensure a safe return. Granted, it's only their hind-ends and they are aware of the risks, but I think this guy and his crew certainly deserve a brass balls award.