Diverse bunch of characters chopper pilots are...
In what other profession would you find guys that are actually fully qualified in other trades.
Truth is that with the expense we go to become eligible for that 'nice' job, we all had to get a well paying job first. Thus the wealth of computer industry people, wildlife experts, geologists and fw pilots that evolve into chopper jocks.
We can safely add a few years to the 15 months droopystop mentioned, to leave time for saving up for training.