Bristow Changes Track?
There are rumours in Port Harcourt that Bristow are now losing so many pilots that they will shortly be announcing a new deal, including 6/6 and an increase in the local allowance. It may be a case of too little, too late as a number of their crews have already signed contracts with CHC, which in addition to already offering 6/6 offers the possibility in the future of transfers to other overseas contracts - something which Bristow's refusal to do has been a contributing factor in a few pilots leaving already. There are also rumours of a few changes in the upper reaches of management, though I doubt that their best national pilot will be given the responsibility or recognition that he so richly deserves - yet again. It will be interesting over the next few months to see if theyb really do have the will to make the changes they need this time.
CHC is still getting new pilots almost every week and with new helicopters like the AW139 arriving soon, all their 76s nearly-new C+s, and more new N3s coming, even more pilots will be looking to leave Bristow and fly more modern equipment than tired, 30 year-old Bell 212s and early generation 412s.. The 212 may be a nice old museum piece, but in the crowded environment of Port Harcourt, there should be no place for any helicopter without a a decent GPS (preferably with moving map display) and TCAS/TCAD.