GOM Gossip
PHI is down about 40 pilots...mandatory workover still in effect (despite some pilots refusing to workover). No CBA signed yet and rumours of PHI to begin paying for prior experience for new hires in order to attract new pilots.
ERA is down 50 pilots and despite being awarded the US Government MMS contract...cannot perform the mission due to shortage of experienced pilots. Rumours abound about much increased offers of pay for pilots qualified to fly that contract. Supposedly, ERA has been calling current Air Log pilots who have flown that contract and making offers of employment if they will leave Air Log.
Air Log is 40 pilots short, pay being reviewed, also strong rumours that prior experience will now be paid and the old five year maximum increment for experience will go by the boards and all pilots (including current employees) will be boosted to their appropriate level should the new scheme be approved.
Air Log Pilots working extra days on "Bonus Jobs" (worst customer...worst living conditions...that pilots refuse to workover on) are now at 1.75 times daily rate PLUS a daily 250 USD Bonus. A workover bonus pool is in effect....each day worked over normal roster "buys" a lottery ticket for a 1000 USD bonus. Air Log's CBA does not allow mandatory workover and thus all such work is by volunteers.
Some rumours have surfaced that suggest the GOM Operators might be considering building their own "Accomodation Modules" on offshore work sites that have substandard living accomodations (most are) to allow the pilots a clean, healthy, quiet, smoke free sleeping accomodation.
Potential management shakeup suspected to be coming at one of the big three...the Greasy Pole Theorem of Helicopter Management seems to be alive and well in the GOM.
Yes....there is a pilot shortage in the GOM.
Yes...the Operators know it.
Yes...for sure the pilots know it now. Within a year or two...Pilots will probably reach Free Agent Status much as in Professional Sports.
What say you Stan, Gomer Pylot, Gomex....any truth to these rumours?