PH, my figures are "guesstimates" but if you accept that a Capt on the North Sea earns 65-75k per annum, then why would/should you expect a company employing HEMS or Police pilots to pay the same? The NS guys work in all crap and quite a lot work away from home, those that don't have to relocate. The other guys live close to where they work and HEMS don't work nights. Would I want to go to the NS..No, am I happy working the routine I do, Yes. Wages could be better but what do we do, Strike? Most guys doing Police and HEMs seem to be fairly happy with their lot. Its horses for courses.
As for taking the lower wages, yes we do, but is it not also the case that the Mil guys are prefered because they have all the right ticks in the boxes?