Answers
Three years ago, Esso decided to trial outsourcing of new pilots to a contractor. While the contractor lived up to its charge, perceived parity and other issues resulted in a well publicized high pilot turnover with its attendant training liability and "people" costs.
Consequently, a decision has been made to return to the days of yore, a stable, high calibre core of Esso staff captains with the contractor supplying copilots who can qualify for entry into an ICUS programme that has various outcomes depending on the individual.
A number of large projects have been signed off on for Bass Strait over the next 10 years including development of the Kipper Gas Field, hence the recruitment drive. Esso operates a fleet of six identical, glass cockpit DAFCS S76C. Size of the patch and nature of the schedule dictate that scheduled flights are conducted day VFR. All flights offshore at night or emergency flights in poor weather are conducted IFR. To that end, full IFR and night recency is maintained at all times. Operations and tarmac staff attend to flight planning and aircraft preparation. Maintenance operates in two shifts with deep level expertise on the S76.
Aspects of the job are:
- sleeping in your own bed every night
- superbly maintained, modern aircraft
- excellent pay and conditions
- not being at the mercy of the next contract, the ATO, or the currency exchange rate
- dedicated SAR aircraft and crew
- regular trips to Flight Safety for sim training
- state of the art in house synthetic trainer
- 650 hours per annum on a good roster
- benefits of working for a giant multi national
If you make the grade, IMHO these are still the best jobs out there.
Who am I? As I registered before I realised you could not change your user name, I am a Check and Training captain with Esso, five years with the company so I guess that narrows me down to one.
I would also point out that these are my views and do not necessarily reflect company views or policy.
cheers
PT