Greece Seismic Project
Some info and most importantly Questions for the knowledgeable people that frequent Rotorheads!
1. There may be a seismic project in Greece starting this summer and running over two seasons. Seismic (as many know, and just as many or more don't) requires the use of specialized equipment (navigation and external load) and vertical reference long line skills + production speed.
Q: Does any such equipment and skillset exist in Greece currently?
2. I'm from Canada and have worked on these programs in a half dozen countries outside of North America, because most of the equipment and techniques have been pioneered in Canada or the US.
Q: Is it possible to use C or N registered aircraft in Greece under the auspices of a project that will already require foreign involvement (since the seismic work itself will require special crews and equipment from elsewhere - only oil and gas producing countries have that level of expertise generally) or under European rules can aircraft and personnel say from Switzerland or Austria (just examples) conduct operations in Greece?
3. The work would likely include production drill moves, which is one of, if not "the" toughest jobs there is to do with a helicopter.
Q: Are pilots that can sling 3000lb drills as fast as the helicopter will go, while being fully compliant with safety rules available in Greece, or elsewhere, that can work unfettered in Greece?
Q: If these pilots exist are any available for a 5-month program in 2017 and a repeat in 2018?
4. In most countries the Bell 212 has been the workhorse of drill moving, except maybe in Canada where the 205 is the choice and the twin requirements are non-existent.
Q: Do operators in Greece or nearby (with the ability to work in Greece) run 212's or other aircraft that would all be set up for vertical reference work while also being able to handle 3000+ lb loads?
As you can tell I am ignorant of what it takes to work in Greece, or Europe in general. Personnel make or break these types of projects and it takes years to acquire the expertise required, therefore making safety and efficiency both depend on the skillset of the pilot.
Thanks for any and all help!
HV