BHA Pilots contract 20001 from wagenet:
http://www.wagenet.gov.au/wagenet/Se...d=87991&query=(BRISTOW%20HELICOPTERS%20AUSTRALIA)&quickview=Y
The pilots have recently had their 2nd contract certified for 3 years from Jan1 2004 with a 9+5+5 pay-rise and other improved conditions which should hit wagenet at some stage also.
FO’s start on either the S76 or AS332 and usually have about 3 months training before flying the line (at no cost to them).
Progression for FO’s and SFO’s is currently good. There have been no redundancies in BHA over the last 10 years or so (major contracts all with a number of years to run). They do utilise a fair number of casual FO's as a buffer for short term contracts and they come and go regularly.
FO’s progression to SFO (significant pay-rise) takes between 1.5 to 2.5 years depending on experience and qualifications and performance. Command progression currently takes from 3.0 to 5.0 years from joining depending again on experience and Qual’s (on joining) and performance.
Biggest downer for most FO's seems to be the requirement to move to Perth, though it does have it's advantages as the bulk of the work is in WA and this cuts down travel times. After a certain time pilots can live anywhere in AUS though it comes at a cost both in monetary and lost time off (travel in time off). If you can't handle it go and work for CHC who sensibly allow there crews to tour from major capitals.
BHA has plenty of work at the moment and seems to be expanding and is operating out of Melbourne, Karratha, Honiara (Solomon’s), Barrow Island and Learmonth. It has a number of older pilots who are closing in on retirement so SFO progression to command should continue to occur at a reasonable pace in the short future. They are running a good system of overseas secondments to the international division which is also providing varied experience for crews.
FO requirement is 500 hr total helicopter plus pass in Australian IREX (instrument rating theory). Ideal hours to have a good progression through their system would be 1500 to 2000 hours command on helicopters (to avoid delays due their command requirements). No requirement to have ATPL or subjects (plenty of time to study that on tour).
They seem to target FO’s around 25 to 35 years old though they have employed FO’s older than that in recent years. Would probably need an Australian commercial licence though I’d imagine they would recognise foreign endorsements and experience for progression.
Accommodation is all single except Karratha where you have to share a unit with another pilot (not a bathroom!).
If you get in good luck and enjoy you won’t be disappointed with the jump in conditions from AUS GA flying!
