Swiftlee as I think you guessed there is more to helo flying than operating the North Sea 'busses' and for that matter being shot at as a military pilot! IMHO it appears you might use some external advice before parting with your hard earned.
The British Helicopter Advisory Board (http://www.bhab.demon.co.uk) provide an information resource for wanabee helicopter pilots and can usually point someone in your position in the right direction.
The web also has a number of resources dedicated to the helicopter pilot (http://www.JustHelicopters.com,
http://www.helicopters.uk.com & http:/www.plh.co.uk) are some of the more useful ones.
If you are serious about joining the profession don't give up, learn the full facts and get advice young man!
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Proper Prior Planning Prevents P*** Poor Performance........Do it right, seek advice!