This may anger a few folks, but here is my take on your question.
IMHO there is fundamentally nothing wrong with offering to work without cash renumeration IF the payoff for you is getting experience. In such a case you are NOT working for free, but compensating the operator for allowing you to be an apprentice in his shop. I remember hanging around the hangar of our local operator 30 years ago at the start of my flying career. I would offer to do anything that needed doing (polishing the bubble or whatever) in the hope of being tossed a ferry flight. Not surprisingly, it worked for me. Before long I had snatched the next available job because I had shown my willingness to go that extra little distance. Then again, maybe they were just trying to deal with a pest that wouldn't go away
No reason why it couldn't work for you.
If it adds to the boss's profit margins, so much the better. That's what he's there for and if you can help him achieve his lofty objective while at the same time achieving yours, you have a win-win situation on your hands.
If some other bloke complains that you are undercutting him don't let it bother you too much. Would he pay your (helicopter) rent if you stepped aside? Would you hire him if you were the employer looking for the best you can find? Believe me, an average pilot with an above average attitude is much more endearing to the boss than an ace who thinks the world owes him a living.
It is the added value of hiring you rather than the next bloke which will win the day.
Above all, don't lose faith.
Cheers
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[This message has been edited by helidrvr (edited 31 January 2001).]