Considerable improvements to terms and conditions have been realized by helicopter pilots over the last 5 years or so.
If you look at the US, the pilots of the following companies have done a great job for themselves. First they got a pilot union in place,then they negotiated necessary and constructive changes to terms and conditions:
1. LSSI - The instructors at Fort Rucker
2. AirLog
3. PHI
4. Air Methods
In Europe, several companies have found constructive solutions through negotiations with their respective pilot unions up through the recent years:
5. CHC Ireland
6. CHC Scotia
7. CHC Netherlands
8. CHC Denmark
9. CHC Helikopter Service
10. Norsk Helikopter
11. Bristows
Common to all agreements is that they take into consideration the short- and longterm interest of the company in question. A solution is only good if the company still thrives and remains competitive in the market place.
It's a long and winding road with lots of obstacles. Still, it seems thar terms and conditions for our group of pilots is moving in the right direction.