Original Message

All offshore, EMS and 135 charter companies that operate IFR train pilots with no IFR experince as SIC's. You think every IFR pilot came out of the military? You don't know this?

Most companies will help you get the ATP but you have to ask and be somebody they feel it's worth investing in.

Yes, in the fixed wing world, the ATP is manditory. It is all IFR flying. You usually show up with one you got on your own dime though. This has changed recently due to pilot shortage.

The reason there are not that many helicopter ATP's is because there isn't a lot of helicopter IFR done. If you go that route, you will probably eventually acquire it. 

The "solution" to more IFR pilots is companies make them, as they have been doing so for decades.