I don't think that Nick Popovich has had anything to do with the Airplane Repo show since the third episode of the first season. Subsequently, the show shifted from a "reality" script to a "fantasy" script, complete with a new cast of characters.
I have no first-hand knowledge, but from what I've heard, Nick and his operation are pretty legit. I suspect that he may not have been comfortable in the role of "TV star."
JKG