The truth is, for British heli pilots, there are more players than tables. The CAA with their over the top regulation, halts investment, thus culling piloting oppotunities. The CAA makes a mint from the exam system. The FAA is funded by taxation. The CAA is its own master and provides some pretty good jobs for its employees. If you want to do something interesting in a helicopter and not suffer the usual crappy attitudes found in the UK, then you have to get yourself abroad. So what, the pay aint as good, but there's no pockets in a shroud !