Fishboy, I sympathise. I reckon the 500 hrs business is just a rather arbitary number someone came up with to quantify an idea that you really need a bit more than basic experience to fly Police ops safely. As far as it goes I would agree with that - by the time you have achieved 500 hrs twin time youve probably done enough to be competant in the job.
Having said that I would not be too sure about a tyro who had somehow landed 500hrs twin time on a new CPL. I sure as hell wouldnt rate a 500 hr, or even less a 1500hr N Sea pilot without a substantial amount of real world refresher flying to patch up the forgotten bits. You stagnate up there, most of the guys in Aberdeen I flew with couldnt remember what a map looked like, let alone read one. Its airline work, and of precious little relevance to any other kind of helo flying.
Get some 'operational' twin time with a charter outfit, filming, powerline etc, thats what you need.
Then I hope you enjoy the Police, I didnt. I was distinctly unimpressed with their levels of professionalism, integrity, ability and intelligence. But then perhaps things have changed. (!)
Good luck mate
[This message has been edited by Pinger (edited 18 November 2000).]