I've now spent 3 hitches in the GOM with Rotorcraft Leasing Co. and it is getting better each time.  I thought I would pass on some tid bits and observations that will help the future pilot succeed in the Gulf.  Instrument flying is performed everyday, rain or shine.  Flying over water can play tricks on you and you must rely on your instruments.  Depth perception and horizontal references are gone so it takes a little extra care just to maintain an altitude and heading.  The large majority of landing zones are no bigger than the helipads on taxiway bravo at #2 and you kick in a little wind (usually 20 to 40 kts in the winter) and a deck that sways back and forth and it makes for a interesting landing experience. 

You need to know your helicopter, meaning the mechanical workings of a turbine aircraft.  So far, I've found that all helicopters fly the same, just a couple differences here and there.  This is gone over in training but it helps to have a little knowledge prior on this subject.  Finally, no body cares how many hours you have or how good of pilot you think you are.  If you are positive and friendly with your customer and fly safe you'll succeed.

 

Over all, it's a piece of cake.  You have a lot of time to yourself while on and off duty which I spend reading. You have time to relax and overall, you have time