Single pilot offshore operations EGPD

[Vtosser]

Avid reader, joining for first time posting.

Evening all

What is the general view on single pilot operations in the NS. Rumour of job in the southern part of the NS, with a possibility of going northbound again in the future. Operations are supposedly conducted single pilot approximate 40-60 NM into the NS.

Cheers :}

[Yara-ma-yha-who]

I'm sure that I'll get flamed for suggesting that single-pilot ops can be conducted safely, but my opinion is that one competent, experienced, and current pilot, flying an appropriately equipped helicopter is almost as safe as two of the above. And if I were paying the bills, and the regulator allowed me to do it, I would go single-pilot every time.

[industry insider]

Interesting. It maybe wind farm related? I'm almost certain that its not oil and gas work unless its in a light twin? I flew SPIFR on the S-76 for 10 years in the SNS day and night and loved every minute.

[topik22]

Hello,
as far as I can remember the contract for flights on Polish oil rigs they put 2 pilots as minimum...
Greets
Jacek

[Jetscream 32]

First and foremost - make sure you have done the "Dunker" then just wear a LJ with a good PLB fitted and ideally one with AIS fitted so that both ship and SAR will easily find you.

Don't worry about how many engines you have, ENSURE you've done the dunker, and ensure you have a plan and know your drills.... Simples!

The cab will never knows its over water, only you, so if its going to fail it will fail - at least with one you know exactly whats coming next...

Oh and make sure you have done your homework on sea temperature and survival times..... wear a "goon suit" no matter what time of year! - Sounds obvious but you'd be amazed.....

[Vtosser]

I'm sure that I'll get flamed for suggesting that single-pilot ops can be conducted safely, but my opinion is that one competent, experienced, and current pilot, flying an appropriately equipped helicopter is almost as safe as two of the above. And if I were paying the bills, and the regulator allowed me to do it, I would go single-pilot every time.
I've been told that single pilot HHO offshore is normal in countries in the southern part of the north sea, all flown VFR. It is renewable energy related. Supposedly VFR operations with 800 meters and 600 feet ceiling between offshore locations is the norm, which is the basis for my inquiry.

[ericferret]

UNIFLY have been operating single pilot out of Humberside for a considerable period on wind turbine work also with a 135.

[Fareastdriver]

with a possibility of going northbound again in the future

That will be just offshore from Trump's golf course.

Make sure you have your anti-SAM kit.

[TipCap]

I guess a lot of us will remember the early 80's when the S76a was flown offshore single pilot.

I remember well a single pilot night ARA to an offshore platform with the helideck on the LHS with a slippery S76A. (Those who flew it remember how hard it was to slow down and how tail low it could be). Frightened the life out of me but I am still here to tell the tale

[Steve Stubbs]

I flew the S76A offshore single pilot both day/night and VFR/IFR out of EGPD and points further north, mostly on ad hoc flights, but remaining dual qualified to fill my time as PIC on the AS332L.

I had by that time amassed 8500 hours or so twin pilot offshore in three larger twin types, including a LOT of IFR and night rig landings, so transiting down to the S76 was fun, but I had a large amount of offshore night and IFR experience to fall back on if necessary. Also it had the Sperry Flight Director system although not coupled.

I doubt it would have been so much fun as a low hours pilot..

;)

[Troglodita]

SPIFR was the norm for most medium twins in many parts of the World until the mid nineties or even later.

In KT in the early 80's we would daily do a 2 or 3 stopper out to the Pulau field 140nm due East in the old 76A model - no FD or coupler and often several AP channels deferred and return in the middle of a monsoon thunderstorm.

In Qatar in the 90's several Clients started insisting and paying for 2 Crew with QGPC/Occidental hanging on to Single pilot Ops due to reluctance to the "paying" bit.

The Oxy HSE Manager asked me what I thought of the advantages of 2 crew compared to single pilot and my tongue in cheek answer was that since most accidents were caused by Human Factors, going 2 crew was just doubling the chances of an accident.

My MD was not happy with me when my words were quoted in a meeting with the Oil Companies a few days later!

Still - many a true word spoken in jest!

Trog

[Geoffersincornwall]

Fond memories of day/night 'VFR' ops in the FULMAR with the MBB105, single pilot, no AP/Stab to speak of, certainly no coupler and NO RAD ALT!!

G.

[S76Heavy]

That is has been done in the past by no means is any indication of it being the smart thing to do nowadays..I would hope that common sense would -prevail. Most mediums I know have a poor outside visibility cross cockpit. That alone should be reason not to fly single pilot to small sites like helidecks.
As for SPIFR, yes it can be done safely with the right equipment. But should we?

[Steve Stubbs]

S76 Heavy

Not being in vogue these days does not mean it wasn't safe then. We had four S76As and the only close call we had with them was on a TWO pilot operation where the PIC flying got into some form of disorientation at night and the copilot against all instructions was head down doing paperwork on a short inter-rig sector. The recovery of the aircraft into normal flight and subsequent safe deck landing after a glancing water impact was not due to the copilots actions (or inaction). For those interested there is an AAIB investigation report somewhere.

[SASless]

Year 2016 and that old argument continues?:ugh:

[Fareastdriver]

I remember well a single pilot night ARA to an offshore platform with the helideck on the LHS with a slippery S76A.

Plus weaving around all those Shell Leman platforms they hadn't bothered to tell you about.