I passed an employment /FAR 135 Checkride in Alaska on the 500D to include slingloads, EOL's, Snow Landingsand mountain landings at 10, 000 feet.....without removing the Frictions....and when asked why not....had to ask "Frictions?".
Immediately rumbled at having never flown the 500!
Worked there three years on 500's and Cessna 206's.
Some piston engine time twisting a throttle is not a bad thing....as very few Helicopter Pilots ever fully understand the effects and control of rotor system torque.