You are right Bronx, Russian crews are doing amazing jobs without a big fuss of it....Here in Afria, with their Antonv 12 and others they have saved hundred of lifes in supplying food and goods to places and in conditions that would have made heroes of others.
They use to remain humble and proud of their profession....it's another culture....but we also can say that they are not too much embarrassed by our stupid and inadapted regulations paralysing our wings and blades....
I have myself flown seismics in Yemen, with Lama's some years ago, I know the place. I also know this Russian crew doesn't expect congratulations on this forum....he knows that they are granted by those who know....