500 is as low as you can go. Part 135 requires at least 500 hours PIC in order to act as pilot in command of any aircraft flying under that part. So they've hit rock bottom, and still can't fill the seats, even with all vacation denied and massive mandatory overtime. I haven't had a vacation in more than 5 years, and have been mandated for overtime in Morgan City at least every other break for longer than I can remember. It's the same for every other medium and heavy pilot. Claims that they can replace us are laughable, because they can't even find replacements for normal attrition.