Original Message

Struck a nerve, it seems. 

3 years experience to get hired as an HAA pilot. 1,500 hours. Setting the bar high...

GOM can be a cushy job, or absolutely miserable depending on who you work for and what you fly. Chevron vs. West wind for example. International S92 pilot vs flying a ragged out 206.

Tough descisions on the ground... as a tour pilot? Like how much sunscreen to put on? Why do HAA pilots keep lawn darting perfectly good helicopters? 

It is what it is man. CFI - Tours - HAA. The jobs are a dime a dozen and the entry requirements are low. And the pay reflects that. Anyone flying heavies or utility or corporate can get an HAA job no problem... not so much the other way around.