Hey Shawn,
Long time no see! I just gave up the crash-test-dummy world and am now working in your old building in good-ol' YOW. I'll drop you an e-mail on Monday.
As for teaching yourself to fly helicopters, I suppose the guy's story is similar to how people learn to fly those remote control helicopters. Just seems a tad risky to me.
All the best, and welcome aboard.
Brad