Hooker,
I knew of a guy that did the same thing. He was just "in the right place" sorta thing and they let ride SIC and watch gauges. I would love noting me than to be that guy and just luck into a position, but like everything in this industry its about who you know, and being where I'm from its hard to make the right contacts sorta say. I have heard of a couple people around here that work on the ground side, but they have no connection with anyone in the heli industry.
Gordy,
Again, thank you for giving such an indepth response, and being on a fire at that... I have saved the sites you've given, and trust me I will be watching for anything else you might have to say
Thanks again
Kyle