semi-related question
This isn't an irk, I'm just not sure what the correct procedure is; as far as I'm concerned, having to deal with me while I'm distracted by making lots of fast-moving bits of metal stay up, yet still giving me the info I want, even when I've forgotten to ask for it, probably qualifies you for some sort of medal!
When switching to a (radar) frequency, and having listened for a few moments to make sure I'm not stepping on someone else, I go "XXX radar, helicopter G-ABCD", and ATC comes back with "G-ABCD, standby". How long should I wait before assuming that I've been forgotten, and repeating my initial call? Obviously, if I'm inbound, and need clearances, this becomes a bit more critical, but if I'm just flapping around outside the boundary and would like a FIS, I could conceivably wait for some time (although obviously, I'd like the FIS as soon as possible).