Thanks to everyone who helped me out and shared their 209 experiences. I found it very interesting to read.
I have finially been able to find a 209 in Aus to get a bit of experience on. Its just an old unregistered machine being kept on a remote farm in WA, but its better than nothing. I'm heading over there next week and the owner and I are going to see if we can get the engine running.
Also had a quick chat to my new boss in India. Sounds like the job is mainly IFR charter ops for a large mining company. I'll be flying mainly the c209 but also a Super Guppy on floats and a Buffalo with extra wings (ie. bi-plane).
Cheers,
Tiger.