FL,
Are you referring to professional helicopter pilots or private pilots, or both?
Most of my contacts, both direct and indirect, have been with professional pilots (military, HEMS, instructors, examiners, FAA, charter, etc), some of them posters here. The wild west mindset I referred to is in part due to the relatively young age of the helicopter industry compared to FW aviation, to the relatively small size of the helicopter fleet, and to the relatively slow technological progress of RW compared to FW, and is diminishing as the RW world changes to a more structured and "professional" environment, no doubt to the dismay of some. My comment was in comparison to the FW world, not in absolute terms.
It's a bold assertion from a private pilot
Actually, to be accurate, a commercial pilot. I have been fortunate to have worked with a number of highly experienced helicopter pilots, instructors, and examiners in the relatively short time I have been flying helicopters and have made it a point to learn what I can from them, both in a formal and informal sense. Sitting around the dinner table and just listening to these guys is a most productive learning experience, especially regarding issues like the main topic of this thread.
Are you perhaps allowing yourself to be a little carried away by his charm/flattery?
Carried away to where? If you knew this instructor, you would be very clear that charm/flattery is not part of his repertoire. He speaks his mind and isnt all that concerned by what anyone thinks of what he says. With something like 25,000 hours in helicopters he has no need to flatter anyone. If anything he is more demanding than most I have worked with. A pro in every sense of the word. Additionally, with a 45 year involvement in aviation, including training at some of the better known training organizations, one develops something of a sense of what professional grade flying looks like - something I am working hard to achieve and maintain. I dont recall the context of the thread from which you are quoting, but I assure you that the point was not to promote my flying skills.
That's very gracious of you.
If by this you intend sarcasm, that is not unexpected from a certain small segment of those who post here. If not, thank you. Your comment arises from a comment I made re safety. Aviation safety is a special interest area for me and I have done considerable work in this area, including developing a safety management system for owner flown helicopters which has received favorable reviews from a range of aviation safety and insurance professionals. I dont hold myself out as an expert in this area, but do feel competent to express an opinion now and then.