Engineering standards varied by Base, shift, and sometimes just the time of Day.
Some very good Engineers...some not so good....some that were advised to stick to sweeping up....and some that were just down right dangerous.
Pilots were about the same....some very safe...some crashed perfectly good helicopters...some had their luck run out and died.
Sadly....it is....what it is.
One did not go to Nigeria to improve one's Professional Skills and Standards and it all too often was just the opposite if the Guy forgot why he was there....that being put back some Dosh or pay off the Mortgage. Stay after that was done and the crawl into the Cellar began.
I enjoyed working with a lot of folks....tolerated most folks....and absolutely loathed a few who had climbed that greasy pole of management.
Loyalty and Integrity were not required Traits for Management. Knowing the Secret Handshake or being Ex-Army (British Army only need apply) seemed to be the key to success.
Back when the RAF or RN guys ran the Show it was much better.
At least nights in the Bar were far more fun anyway.
All this is looking back on far too many Years in Nigeria watching the Rats scurrying over to Fixed Wing and climbing higher into the rigging as the holds filled with water. I guess the Salvation was the water was shallow enough to keep the Ship afloat until the Tide goes back out.
With the recent reduction which seems to smack of "We'll Show You!"....in time the wheels will come off the Wagon and "Outsiders" will once again be in high demand.
Say nice things, keep in touch, and stay current somehow....there will be Openings for you again if you do.....just be patient.