bigoil
11th May 2006, 15:51
G,Day I was reading the post about the Gabon Air service that quit the country but had oil contracts to tide the locals over as they continue the service.
I'd like to put in my observations on this subject.
Oil concessions are owned the govt who can also own the national air carrier who usually do the flying (contracted to expats) for the oil co's.
With the local pilots usually being from powerful families in the country they exert a lot of power in the company and fly even if they come back from Flt Safety with their tail between their legs which is I'm afraid to say happens a lot more than anyone will admit.
So the oil co's auditors come in and find the ac airworthy as maintenance is done by expats. But the capt has told the company he WILL be capt as his family is all powerfull and the company personell are not politically connected and fear him so he flies.
The end result is unqualified pilots fly the oil people around and the auditors know it but their hands are tied as the big boys want the oil.
Ah Africa.
I'd like to put in my observations on this subject.
Oil concessions are owned the govt who can also own the national air carrier who usually do the flying (contracted to expats) for the oil co's.
With the local pilots usually being from powerful families in the country they exert a lot of power in the company and fly even if they come back from Flt Safety with their tail between their legs which is I'm afraid to say happens a lot more than anyone will admit.
So the oil co's auditors come in and find the ac airworthy as maintenance is done by expats. But the capt has told the company he WILL be capt as his family is all powerfull and the company personell are not politically connected and fear him so he flies.
The end result is unqualified pilots fly the oil people around and the auditors know it but their hands are tied as the big boys want the oil.
Ah Africa.