Aerial view of the 'new' heliport, with 6 parking spots and the departure helipad. Had a separate radio shack for VHF & HF communications, and a working NDB. As
Alan Biles has previously posted the adjacent strip was going to be made into a runaway for the other 212s, locally licensed built CASA 212s, but the drop in oil price end of 1985 / start of 1986 killed that plan. Looking on Google Earth the strip was never built although the heliport still survives -
1۫ 14’ 06.56’’ N , 101۫ 13’ 12.14’’ E
In 1985 the hangar facilities would be the envy of most overseas operations at that time. Here is the immaculately kept engineering records section.
1985 saw a mixture of accommodation in use, with those new to the operation placed in portacabins. Had a room on each end with a shared toilet in the middle. OK as long as they did not leak, and this one had the all important short wave aerial fitted for listening to the BBC World Service, etc.
The Heli-Rig uniform. A part paid for by the company Gentex helmet, and orange Nomex flying suit. Suits took a while to arrive so mine did not get used much as we were posted when the oil crisis hit and Caltex took the option to release 1x212 early with 4 expats being posted elsewhere overseas.
One of the permanent staging areas. The silver fuel installation was flown out empty from Duri and filled up on site. Much quicker than refuelling from 45 gal drums.
Lunch time scene on Rig 56. When busy the 212s would do 10hrs flying each a day, with 2 being shutdown on the Rig for the all important mid day inspection, including the 'lift link'. Here we see Steve Armstrong about to start up PK-HCJ, with Simon Wilton looking on.
And PK-HCK departing after the lunch time break.
Rig 56.
When the 205s were sold, 2 of them were flown to Australia. Here is the locally crafted ferry tank installation.
Fitted inside the 205 with 2 additional 45 gal drums. Gave a total endurance of some 7 hours, which was needed for the crossing of the Timor Sea.
205 PK-HCE departing Duri for the last time en-route to Australia.
Like most bases in S.E.Asia, Duri had a local Hash House Harriers Club. Think it was originally set up by Bristow employees many years ago, and was given its own 'house' as part of the new camp improvements. Did not get frequented by our American colleagues as they were more interested in the floodlight Softball court which you can see in the background.