Just responding to Ned-Air2 Air about Unions:
The US helicopter pilots who are unionized are organized under the Railway Labour Act.This was enacted essentially to maintain continuity of an essential service even during times of industrial dispute. When the airlines started unionizing, they were put under the RLA as were the helicopter and shipping companies. What this means is that all these transportation companies are consideresd essential services for the US economy and therefore there is a 'no strike' clause in the contracts they sign. In other words, for the duration of the contract (typically 3 years), the Union agrees not to strike and the company agrees not to lockout.Disputes are resolved through arbitration or mediation.So there you have it.
I will agree that ,like ALPA and BALPA, unions should have a very strong voice in safety matters. But ,for that to happen,the management must agree to partner with the unions and accept their role in this issue. Unfortunately, in the US in general, and, in helicopter companies here in particular, Union is still a five letter word.
Alt3.