East Anglian Air Ambulance temporarily grounded/Longmint status

[twelveoclockhigh]

From this morning's EDP

East Anglian Air Ambulance temporarily grounded - News - Eastern Daily Press (http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/east_anglian_air_ambulance_temporarily_grounded_1_807516)

[Staticdroop]

What is happening at Sterling, seems to have gone downhill in recent years.:(

[md 600 driver]

static

Longmint??

[PANews]

Latest news is that [as pre-planned] Bond have supplied two early model BO105s so they are up and running again.

EAAA are sending out a 'proper' press release tomorrow.

[Nitram]

Everyone that knew GH, said it was a sad day when he left, I can only say how right they were.

[Staticdroop]

I also hear the Police contract is on its way elsewhere, can't have much left on the books now.

[Rowan James]

19/2/11 Statement: EAAA's aircraft supplier

Clare Philips, 19 February 2011

The East Anglian Air Ambulance has activated a contingency plan due to operational issues with the current supplier of its aircraft, Sterling Aviation. Sterling is temporarily unable to provide the EAAA with an air ambulance service, so, as an interim measure the charity will continue to operate using alternative aircraft from a different supplier, Bond Air Services.

The charity has taken this step to ensure the continuation of the service provided by both Anglia One and Anglia Two (based in Norwich and Cambridge Airport respectively) but will involve the EAAA using different aircraft. This is because of a procedural issue and, in the short term, the helicopters will not be EAAA branded.

The alternative aircraft are expected to be fully operational from Sunday 20th February and will continue to transport the same highly trained doctors and paramedics across the four counties in the same way as Anglia One and Anglia Two.

The EAAA’s partners at Essex and Hertfordshire Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) and the East of England NHS Ambulance Trust are fully aware and supportive of move it’s made to ensure the continuity of its service.

Deputy Chief Executive of the EAAA Steve Whitby said: “Although the current situation with Sterling Aviation is extremely regrettable we have quickly activated our contingency plan to ensure a smooth handover to a new contractor as an interim measure. Of course, our main concern is that the charity continues to provide a first class air ambulance service to the people of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. Thanks to a strong contingency plan and excellent team work within EAAA and our partners we will achieve this. The only change the people of East Anglia will notice is the colour of our helicopters – which will be red and not EAAA branded. We will be fully operational from both EAAA bases from Sunday 20th February. This would have been achieved sooner but for adverse weather conditions which stopped all air ambulance activity in East Anglia today.”

[Phil Space]

Anyone know why the pulled the AOC?

[lowfat]

People have left so approved post are not filled nothing dubious....

[OvertHawk]

i actually think that is pretty dubious!

[LXGB]

A replacement aircraft arrived at Norwich about an hour ago.
B105 / G-BUXS.

[cladosporangium]

If approved post-holders are leaving, with no-one to replace them, this smacks of pppp (P... Poor Planning+Proceedures)...... or are they leaving the sinking ship?

Or were they pushed?

This is not the first instance of unrest in this group.:sad:

[helihub]

Anyone know why the pulled the AOC?

Not according to the CAA, they haven't....

[nightowl59]

The NHS Ambulance Trust has praised the ‘remarkable speed’ in which the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) solved a potentially difficult air operations issue this weekend.
Late on Friday afternoon the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) temporarily suspended the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of Norwich-based firm Sterling Aviation due to procedural issues. This meant the two yellow helicopters Anglia One (based at Norwich Airport) and Anglia Two (based at Cambridge Airport) were grounded. However, the charity quickly activated their contingency plan and brought in aircraft supplied by an alternative operator, Bond Air Services

[Rowan James]

So does anyone actually know what happended? Is seems pretty serious to me that the regulator can pull the plug on an air amb op with zero notice and not a word? :confused:

[vfr440]

Who's the Form 4 QM for the Operation (and for its engineering support)? - VFR

[helihub]

Please note my last post. The CAA have _not_ pulled the AOC as of lunchtime today, Monday.

I would provide you a link, but the moderator would remove it.

[The Wonder Horse]

can't sterling voluntarily 'give up' their AOC?

[helihub]

Yes, just like AgustaWestland handed back the Westland 30 type certificate so they did not need to support the fleet. But handing back an approval certificate is like saying they don't need it any more.. so voluntarily giving it up may mean there's a risk that any attempt to reinstate would be considered a new application.

But then I suppose Longmint group has other AOCs....

[The Wonder Horse]

Yes, that makes sense. Not sure how this relates to the air ambulance though. I'm guessing they'll be some kind of tender process.

[cladosporangium]

helihub, if you can supply a link that proves Sterling still has got an AOC, what possible reason would the moderator have for removing it?

Apologies if I'm being a bit thick.:confused:

[PANews]

I think he means to his own site.... self advertising is a bit frowned on..... but put a .com after his name and you are there!

Basically he asked the question and a named head at CAA made the statement. No documents.

CAA have not shut them down, it looks as if the sudden absence of a key member of staff with CAA accreditation did the deed.

[niknak]

Possibly the demise of Sterling Helicopters?

All I know is that all of this never would have happened when GH was still there, even though he's no longer involved he'll be very upset that this has happened.

Personally, now that Bond have their toe in the door I think its the thin end of the wedge, especially as they have an established base, complete with engineers at NWI.

[helihub]

cladosporangium

PA News is right - I would not post a link to my own website on here, but I am happy to contribute what I know.

[lowfat]

The part M post holder has left ergo no Part M no flying....
It can happen to anyone.

[Rowan James]

Doesn't GH now work for EAAA? And is this at all related to EAAA sacking their chief exec last year? Or is this chaos simply within the operator. Slick contngency tho - so obviously someone was on the ball!:ok:

[twelveoclockhigh]

latest news:

Business as usual for Norfolk?s air ambulance - News - Eastern Daily Press (http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/business_as_usual_for_norfolk_s_air_ambulance_1_808650)

[Staticdroop]

Hope Sterling get back up and running soon:ok:

[helihub]

The CAA suspended Sterling's AOC this morning

[cladosporangium]

The EDP report says the replacement Bo105's are "cost neutral"

Does this mean that the costs, because there must be extra cost, are then passed back to Sterling?

A key person left on Friday,and the CAA suspend the AOC today, Tuesday.
Does that mean that Sterling voluntarily suspended operations before?

Just trying to understand the process.

[Fly_For_Fun]

If Sterling no longer has an AOC, does this mean all operations cease until they sort out what problems they are having, and then have to reapply for a new AOC? What are the time frames for all this? I suppose the vulchers will be tendering for the contracts that are not being fulfilled as we speak.

This is indeed a very sad day for Sterling and their staff if things are not sorted out pronto.

[PEASACAKE]

I have been observing the Part M situation at numerous companies over the years, and am aware of several instances where the C.A.M. has resigned and left immediately leaving the AOC holder in an awkward situation.

Do you think there should be a 30 day grace period built into an AOC holders C.A.M.E so that a replacement CAM could be found, interviewed by the CAA and hopefully approved. After all, unless an ARC requires immediate renewal, re-issue there should be no problems.

Lets remember nothing stops a CAM going on holiday (or sick) for 30 days.........................I wish.

[helihub]

If Sterling no longer has an AOC, does this mean all operations cease until they sort out what problems they are having, and then have to reapply for a new AOC? What are the time frames for all this? I suppose the vulchers will be tendering for the contracts that are not being fulfilled as we speak.

Yes, they cannot fly anything which the AOC covers "for hire and reward". I don't think they would need to reapply from scratch, just prove to the CAA that they have all the required named people in the required roles and have a long-term view on life. Think of it from the point of view that the fare-paying public are relying on the CAA approving the company as able to fly "for hire and reward", meet all the safety requirements, etc etc.

Sterling has long been a company with lots of contracts, and there are some like EAAA and the gas lines which need to be taken up immediately and I'm sure the contracts allow for the need for substitutes. They also did a batch of filming work and live links (eg British GP). The % of work on contracts makes me think that their financial plans rely on their helicopters being out working every week of the year, and thus the cost of these assets sitting doing nothing could bring the tower of cards all tumbling down. They need to get these helicopters leased out asap or the prognosis is a downward spiral I would think.

As for time frames, it took sister company Alan Mann Helicopters over six months to get their AOC back. They do not have contract work and indeed most/all of their charter fleet are not owned by the company.

[Fly_For_Fun]

Helihub, thanks for that. It does look a bit grim for them, here's hoping all turns out well. :ok:

[cladosporangium]

Fly For Fun, bit harsh refering to "vultures", as helihub says these contrcts have to be flown. AirAmbi and Police for fairly obvious reasons, less obvious is the health-and-safety gas pipeline inspections.

PEASACAKE, there already is a 30 day grace, It is usual to give a month notice to leave, I expect the CAM attracts at least this if not more.

Sounds to me to be a lack of response from the "management" at Sterling, (read Longmint) on reciept of notice. (on a similar note, I believe this is not the only notice they have been given recently...... wonder why?):suspect:

Probable reason that the Air Ambi had such a good contingency is that GH knows the "management", having had to deal with them for some time now, unfortunately.:ugh::ugh::yuk:

[PEASACAKE]

cladasporangium.

There is no 30 day grace period, if the nominated person leaves the employment of the AOC holder. Its an area that needs to be addressed by the CAA, as it is also causing problems elsewhere at this moment.

[Phil Space]

Sterling is owned by Longmint Ltd.


Pop that in to Google and it makes interesting reading:=

[helihub]

PEASACAKE - when CAM gives 30 days notice, you give CAA notice immediately - I think what cladosporangium meantby "30 day grace period".

I guess you meant that CAA would NOT allow a gap of up to 30 days with no CAM.

Finally, mention of the police contract - Norfolk Police have already given notice to Sterling to terminate wef 31 March and plan to buy hours off Suffolk.

[Fly_For_Fun]

Cladasporangium, bit harsh may be, realistic most definitely. As I said," here's hoping all turns out well. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif"

[cladosporangium]

helihub, thanks for your explaination, that is what I meant.

The point being is that the "management" must have been given at least 30 days notice that the CAM intended to leave. And it appears to have been tardy in finding a replacement, leading to the present crisis.(just the latest in a series.):{

Fly For Fun, point taken. But even vultures have a necessary place in the eco-system.:E
I'm sure you are correct, and everything will turn out well, here's hoping:ok:

[Whirlygig]

must have been given at least 30 days noticeNot necessarily.

I'm not suggesting that I know anything about the situation at Sterling, but notice given depends on the employment contract signed.

If an employee hands in their notice under a contract requiring a month's notice but says he or she want to leave at the end of the week, there isn't really a lot an employer can do about it. Obviously, that employee would only get paid up to the point of actually leaving but it would be futile for an employer to sue for breach of contract.

Not suggesting for one minute that that's what Sterling's CAM did but there are scenarios where less than 30 days notice could be given. Most likely, Longmint dragging their recruitment heels again.

Let's just hope that someone who knows how to run an aviation business comes along in time ....

Cheers

Whirls

[Phil Space]

Whatever the reason for staff departures it looks like the management have dropped themselves in a very expensive PR disaster hole.

The loss of the police contract followed by this does not bode well.

Two expensive machines grounded plus extra costs involving the support operation. Add to that pilots and staff who still have to be paid plus lease costs and insurance on the helicopters etc mean this debacle will not come cheap.

Someone must have been mighty upset to trigger this:ok:

[PEASACAKE]

"IF" I had a full time employed CAM resign and leave the company immediately but had a 30 day notice contract (I would stipulate 90 days for this contracted post) they would be possibly receiving a letter from my legal representative.

That is if the employer has not already breached the staff employment contract in any other way and that they were not "sub contracted staff".

[wickednorthernwitch]

Some of you may remember back to September last year when staff were not being paid. Well surprise surprise but THIS IS THE SAME COMPANY.

[wickednorthernwitch]

Sterling used to be a reliable company until it was taken over by the strippers. Not the sexy kind either but still the type that like to take all your money ie asset strippers.

From reading all the threads I feel that it is now a complete shambles with no money and no credit and it is a bit like the rats leaving a sinking ship but unfortunaltely the "king" or "queen" rats are still clinging to the flotsam.

[vfr440]

Peasacake
If my pay cheque didn't make my bank account as expected, then I'd want to know why (and PDQ at at that). That's one breach of contract (assuming I had served my probationary period)

If the Company apears to have cash-flow problems, but chooses not to keep me in the picture, so that I may take a considered view on the situation, then the next time I am not paid on time I'll walk. There is no 3rd strike.

So a 90 day notice period is purely academic; have you ever tried to buy groceries form Sainsbury's with the line "It's OK, I'll be paid next week, so no worries"?

And as the old adage has it, if you think you don't have enough paperwork to keep you going, try missing a mortgage payment................

It's real world we all have to live in _ VFR

[cladosporangium]

wickednorthernwitch, Rats, similar to vultures, can be very useful.:}

Perhaps the beginning of the rush?


PEASACAKE, I must say that I too expected a key person like this to be on more than 30 days notice.

Whirls, I never considered it before , but now you explain it, it is quite obvious: if they havn't paid you it would be futile to sue you!:D

VFR, well said!:ok:

[Sir Niall Dementia]

One BIG thought from one minor bloke;

I often stop at Sterling for fuel and parking and had heard of problems with salary payments. To all the Sterling staff who have treated me with such kindness and friendship over the years, thank you all and I hope that all these problems will soon be behind you. After all where else am I going to get into a snowball fight whilst trying to prep the aircraft? who else would go into work to check my blade tie downs in a high wind when I'm not answering my phone? Your humour and grace under what must have been very uncomfortable pressure recently just show what a loyal and professional team Sterling/Longmint have and how little they deserve it.

See you all soon

SND

[wickednorthernwitch]

I am sure many of you will have come to the same conclusion over the years and if any doubt remains in your mind then maybe this will help to make your mind up (it's lighter than ladders!)

If a company does not pay you it seemingly does not give you the right to walk out! The old saying "2 wrongs don't make a right" springs to mind. You may have bills to pay etc but the law does not help you. Do you walk out and risk the company sueing you - depends on how important you are to the said company.

The law protects those that help themselves to the good name and profits from Sterling.

What sort of person sells/mortgages all Sterling assets and then stops paying salaries? They say there is no money - so where did it all go?

Some of it could possibly go on plastic surgery?

Speculate all you like but basically the air ambulance is going elswhere. What about the police and the pipeline inspections?

Any news?

[Sliding Doors]

Rats, similar to vultures, can be very useful

Which is why I reckon 'parasite' is probably more accurate.

Such a shame for the staff, agree with SND that the 'guys and gals on the ground' have always been top notch

[cladosporangium]

Sliding Doors, "Parasites" sums it up perfectly.:mad:

Sir Niall Dementia, you, too sum up the personel at Sterling perfectly, they are all stars.:D

Shame about the "management"

[theloudone]

Is it me, or is it lately a trend of management within the UK aerospace industry, all take, and no management ? !
Fingers crossed for the personel there.

[coning angel]

yes. management get huge bonuses for saving money. Where do the main costs come from (after aircraft) in the eyes of management? Pilot wages?

Management these days are a joke. Companies have no sense of loyalty to staff. Why should staff reciprocate? Just take a look at the big North sea companies. Only Company no-one seems to complain about is Bond. They run a tight ship. Staff know what to expect. No surprises or messing about. This is our roster. This is your pay. Do the job. Get paid. Look smart. Funny that Bond don't keep bringing in 'management specialists' to do the job. The bosses there know what the score is, what works, and what keeps the staff happy and quiet.

[lynx no more]

Longmint - I've heard the name bantered about a bit on pprune but who are Longmint and what do they own?
I met GH about 20 years ago and Sterling seemed a good set up from talking to other ex mil pilots I know. Do Longmint own anything else aviation wise, and are Sterling still flying the pipe lines?
:confused:

[Nitram]

wickednorthernwitch
I was out and about this week and saw an old friend flying the Transco pipelines in a Helicentre 206, so the gas people must have had a contingency plan in place as well because this was on Tuesday morning

[Whirlygig]

Longmint Aviation Ltd is owned by Longmint Group Ltd which is owned by Neil Bellis, Juliet Bellis and Lucy Cummings.

Longmint Aviation Ltd owns Sterling, Fast Helicopters, Alan Mann, Skydrift, Falcon Jet Centre and Total Air Management Services.

Neil Bellis is a shareholder and former director of Erinacaeous Group plc, a company currently in administration.

Those are facts - the rest you can google.

Cheers

Whirls

[F.A.TAlbert]

Sir Niall Dementia One BIG thought from one minor bloke;

Agreed! :ok:

[neutral stabi]

"IF" I had a full time employed CAM resign and leave the company immediately but had a 30 day notice contract (I would stipulate 90 days for this contracted post) they would be possibly receiving a letter from my legal representative.

Interestingly I heard that the CAM resigned within the terms of the contracted notice period and worked right up until the end of that time. Now thats what i would call dedication when you are not being paid for it!!!:ok:
The Longmint management were promted by the local surveyor to find a replacement in plenty of time and chose to ignore that advice !:=

Perhaps it is lonmint and only longmint that should take the rap for this

[wigglyamp]

With Longmint also owning Manns at Fairoaks, is it any surprise that they lost their fixed-wing Part 145 maintenance approval last week (I think they've still got helis - just). Many staff not being paid on time, bailiffs coming in the night to repossess buildings. How long can they survive?

[ChrisGr31]

Longmint have a significant property portfolio which might be in need of refinancing.

Getting finance on property is not easy currently.

I believe someone else hinted this earlier in the thread

[Ye Olde Pilot]

As Longmint also own Alan Mann and Fast it begs the question why they could not juggle the situation inside the group.

What is happening with the remainder of their police helicopter operation and do I understand that side of the business is also grounded?

[Whirlygig]

do I understand that side of the business is also grounded?Yes, it's all grounded, as I sit here in the comfort of my living room when I should have been doing my Schweizer LPC today.

I would guess that Norfolk Constab also have a contingency plan, likely involving the Suffolk police helicopter.

I sincerely hope that something gets sorted for Sterling PDQ as none of the chaps and chapesses working there deserve to have been treated in the way they have been and someone, somewhere needs a good hiding for letting a well-managed and highly reputable business get into this situation.

Cheers

Whirls

[g-mady]

Whirls,

Cant you just get down to Cambridge and keep the R22 current - Much better machine :cool:

MADY

[Whirlygig]

G-MADY, well yes ... I'm doing that as well :ok: As for better machine? I'm not going to be drawn into that argument; suffice to say, I want to get my S300 rating current again and would so prefer to do it on my dorrstep.

Cheers

Whirls

[ShyTorque]

on my dorrstep.

The girl's been in Norfolk too long - she's taken on the local accent. Next thing, she'll be driving at less than 30 mph! :E

[Legalapproach]

Was involved in something that required an aerial search in Norfolk last Thursday. Suffolk Helicopter was tasked to carry out the search. Interestingly we were informed that the Norfolk aircraft was u/s and therefore unavailable.

Some really nice people at Sterling so hope matters get sorted for them.

[Camp Freddie]

The girl's been in Norfolk too long - she's taken on the local accent. Next thing, she'll be driving at less than 30 mph!

OMG that is so true, no more than 25 in town and maybe 40 on the open road with the wind behind them, my own theory is that they just cant think fast enough so they overcompensate.

as for the "National speed limit" signs, because it doesnt say a number, i am sure they dont know what it means :)

CF

[Sir Niall Dementia]

FATAlbert:

Touche!

Ye Olde Pilot: I think you'll find that the property portfolio was owned by another Neil Bellis/Lucy Cummings disaster, Erinaceous Group which has been in administration for some time.

With their previous record I'm amazed that anyone would go into a contract with them.

Nice to see that despite all the problems Ms Cummings can still drive a nice new shiny Aston.

Take a trawl through Google, their business background is beyond belief.

[F.A.TAlbert]

Sir Niall Dementia FATAlbert: Touche!Oh dear bol10kz - I rather cocked up the cut and paste there old man. Didn't mean it to come out the way it probably did - having re read I feel regret.:ugh::ouch:

What I meant to come out was that I agreed with your post. Sorry bout that. However, thank you for being a stout fellow about it.;)

And as for your recent submission - I agree again. Does the car wear a registration indickatave of AM? I believe it is so.

Frank.

[herman the crab]

Erinaceous Group...

Weren't they also ex owners of Shoreham until some (alleged) dodgy sale to one of the director's new companies?

HTC

[Sliding Doors]

HTC,

There was a lengthy thread on Pprune regarding whom owned Shoreham airport about a year ago. The lease was purchased by Erinaceous and then sold to a 'new' company (owned by a former Erinaceous employee), at about the same time Erinaceous encountered problems, and other Erinaceous employees created Longmint. Draw from that what you will.

Previous other business ventures for those mentioned earlier include Thurston aviation based at Stansted airport, Filemart, and Temple Microsystems. Google is your friend ;)

[herman the crab]

Sliding Doors - I knew I should have included a :rolleyes: or an :hmm: !

HTC

[whodictus]

As I see it who in their right mind would take on the role of CAM when the current staff are not being paid on time and quite often only a little bit at a time. However if the owners drive an Aston Martin they must be doing something right :O

[wickednorthernwitch]

Hi there NITRAM

Does Helicentre have the new contract for National Grid then? You say that a mate of yours seems to be flying the "grid". How many helicopters do they have working the grid?

Sterling had 2 every week (ha!ha!) Okay in theory there were 2 every week alternating between lines.

Where have they got the crews from?

Maybe your mate can answer the questions!

I would ask for Longmint management to reply but from what I understand I would be better asking the monkeys in the zoo if I wanted a sensible reply.

[Ye Olde Pilot]

So with the operation grounded for what could be several weeks are the staff being paid?..

Lease charges and insurance on the helicopters plus ground costs must be clocking up with no income. No press release to reassure the public the air ambulance operation will be back in place soon is not good news.

If I was a gambling man I'd not be placing bets on Sterling being airborne in the near future.

What news Skydrift?

[cladosporangium]

neutral stabi, ignoring advice is what this "management" do best.:uhoh:

Legalapproach, The Police aircraft could well be unserviceable. (as well as unavailable) The engineering effort has also been badly effected by this, and it could be due servicing which they do not have the manpower to provide.:uhoh:

Ye Olde Pilot, Skydrift, I believe i am correct in saying, was the "not-for-profit" arm of Longmint aviation..... it was not planned to be like that though. :E

Whirls, thanks for naming the culprits, I have spent a few hours googling (thanks to all who recommended it!) their escapades.
There is a massive dent in my desk now caused by my chin!:sad:

It is astonishing that they can get away with all that and still be in a position to "manage" anything or anybody! :suspect:

Made an entry in my diary today. It simply says "Bugger!"

[Sir Niall Dementia]

FATAlbert;

No insult was ever taken; its a shame that apologies as graceful as yours (if unnecessary on this occasion) are so rare these days.

I bet no-one from EAAA/Sterling will ever receive one from Bellis/Cummings.

I didn't see the reg on the car, just the cloud of dust and small pebbles as it left.

SND

[nightowl59]

I heard a "rumour" today that Sterling have officially lost the contract for EAAA.

Is there anyone on this thread able to verify this?

My sympathies go to the long serving staff who made Sterling Helicopters what it was until ....... well enough said :mad:

[Nitram]

WNW
From what he was saying Helicentre stepped up to the mark and it is NG/Transco employees in the LHS

[206 jock]

I'd be interested to see how the BO105 works even in the short term. With EAAA's recent investment in a robust doctor/paramedic service, I believe that the room available for effective work on the patient in flight is severely restricted in the old Bolkow. No doubt the medics will be making a noise about it if that is the case.

Although of course, any helicopter is better than no helicopter.

[nodrama]

Although of course, any helicopter is better than no helicopter.


Just so.....it's a temporary measure to provide a service, rather than no service. Beggar's can't be choosers.
The Bolkow has always worked fine before, if it is used as an 'ambulance' and not expected to be an airborne casualty theatre.

[Danscowpie]

Don't forget that nearly every Air Ambualnce Helicopter in the UK and Europe was at one time, a B105.
It's only in the last five years they've been anything different, but there's no reason why Bond cannot take over from where Sterling have screwed up to the extent that they can't possibly hope to stay in business.

No fault of the staff on the coalface, Longmint have a lot to answer for.

[Rowan James]

"With EAAA's recent investment in a robust doctor/paramedic service"

Eh?

So I ask one of the paras how this is all going. He tells me he turns up at work and meets a doc and a pilot who he's never met before. The doc has never worked in the area (up from HEMS on a £500 jolly). Pilot does a brief and famil and it's all jolly hockey sticks under the much vaunted EMSC Ltd 'governance' banner...

Robust? Doesn't sound like it. Not to mention the cab...:ugh:

[whodictus]

I am pretty sure that Sterling were running a Bolkow as a back up to the back up 117's so whats the problem as a short term fix

[Phil Space]

Gerry Hermer set the whole thing up and was such a nice guy.

He did my Schweitzer 300 ticket 20 years ago.

Now it comes to this.

Can't see Sterling fixing this.

[wickednorthernwitch]

It seems like Gerry Hermer is a really good guy. Maybe Longmint should get a new man for the leading role and then this pantomime could be brought to a successful conclusion.

Or maybe that is not what the company wants!

[wickednorthernwitch]

Hi Nitram

You say "employees" in the LHS. That implies that there is more than one. Interesting!

I remember an ex apache pilot looking for a flying job with TAMS but he did not have the required number of hours. Maybe he got one of the LHS jobs instead.

[Phil Space]

The best thing that can happen is Sterling dies and the EAAA operate their own helicopters.

[Sir Niall Dementia]

A look at the background to the Erinaceous Group shows that some of the original companies were bought back by their founders when Erinaceous went under. Maybe there might be an opportunity to do the same here.

Certainly I can't help thinking that maybe the D of T should look at the suitability of Bellis and Cummings to be company directors.

[Whirlygig]

The best thing that can happen is Sterling dies and the EAAA operate their own helicopters.Er no, that is NOT the best thing that can happen. The best thing that can happen would be for another well-managed helicopter operator to come aong and buy them from Longmint. There's more to Sterling than just the Air Ambulance. :rolleyes:

Certainly I can't help thinking that maybe the D of T should look at the suitability of Bellis and Cummings to be company directors. One would have thought that maybe even Bellis x2/Cummings might have twigged themselves that they're not very good at running businesses. :ugh: :*

Once owned assets were remortgaged ... what happened to the cash? Aston Martins maybe? However, if that is the case, that cash should be shown as an inter-company loan which Longmint have a duty to pay back. If Administrators are brought in, then these issues will be investigated. Any financial regularities will be investigated and reported to Dept of Business, Innovation & Skills.

However, anyone can hurry the process along!

How to complain (http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/cib/complain.htm)

Cheers

Whirls

[ExMAGE]

One would have thought that maybe even Bellis x2/Cummings might have twigged themselves that they're not very good at running businesses


How can you say that. They live in a large mansion and drive around in the finest sports cars. Surely they know exactly what they are doing.:hmm:
I doubt they are not paying themselves either.

I imagine that they will see the recent "retirements" as more money they can spend on themselves. I wonder how many more are about to leave that we haven't heard of yet.

There are a lot of good people in the longmint companies and it is a great shame to see it go this way. Fortunately the EAAA has been saved; hopefully others will come along to help the others in the group.


EM

[Whirlygig]

They live in a large mansionAll three of them? How cosy! :E

I wonder how many more are about to leave that we haven't heard of yet.At least two.

Cheers

Whirls

[theloudone]

I hear its not all rosey at Sloanes either !
Dont they operate air ambo`s as well ?

[ExMAGE]

I don't think it is rosy for any of the small companies at the moment. But the way this group has carried on is disgraceful.

How long have we heard tales of baliffs and non payments of salaries, now key people are leaving. Surley they will have to pull something big out of the bag this time.

EM

[theloudone]

Is this again another triumph of top heavy management taking hug salaries ?

[vfr440]

"At least two"

I heard a rmour today that the Ch Eng is on garden leave before leaving at the end of March. Anybody confirm? :sad: ~ VFR

[lynx no more]

Shame about Sterling, Gerry H knew what the customer wanted and operated a fine ship. He was well respected in the industry.
Longmint must be making out of these deals, why let a good setup like Sterling go under, especially with the pipelines and the money they earn?
Is it because they end up owning the land and have a mission to wind up small companies ?
Cant see it making any sense from where I'm sitting, but then I drive an old banger and not an Aston like them..

[nightowl59]

I hear too that the Chief Pilot is also on the move :confused:

[Rigga]

"Is it because they end up owning the land and have a mission to wind up small companies ?"

There's no land involved at NWI - it just sounds like management blunders making the post-holders (3 of them?) jump.

No CAM, or no Chf Eng, or no Chf Pilot = no AOC

It will take a lot of effort to regain an AOC (1st) trust & then a reputation.

"you can do 1000 things right, but people will only remember the 1 thing you did wrong"

[Whirlygig]

people will only remember the 1 thing you did wrongWhich was Maynard and Harris selling to Longmint in the first place.

I doubt there are many (if any) people in the industry who would have a bad thing to say against any of the people who worked at/for Sterling ... hopefully, their reputation, if they remain or come back, would return quite quickly IF new ownership and management were to take over.

Cheers

Whirls

[Rigga]

...erm, I meant "the management" - not those who've been part of Sterling for sooooo long - a few of whom I was once aquainted with.

[twelveoclockhigh]

Skydrift's Bandeirante and Anglian Air Centre's aircraft have been transferred to Alan Mann. As has the old air ambulance G-EYNL

[peterprobe]

Bloody hell thats sad, Uk needs more air ambo rather than all this malarky! I know squat about longmint or EAAA really. Get MAS or Bond or whoever to take it on with the Bk s they have, Am sure one of them could take on the pilots and engineers etc they have in about a week, or as someone has said Alan Man helis............... whoever just get the thing back up doing its job !!!....................and no not the good old realiable Bolkow which was great in its day but now........ not really!

[ExMAGE]

Alan Manns is the same group as Sterling so that would be of no help, same management problems, also I don't think they have the right type of AOC.
They are also having problems and key people have left and are about to leave. Again good company, shame about the owners.

EM

[cladosporangium]

Did Longmint pay everyone at the end of the month then?

It's gone a bit quiet on here...... :suspect:

[nightowl59]

Apparently only a few got paid on pay-day the others had to wait at least another two weeks to get theirs :confused:

[Epiphany]

Well there are the lease payments on the Aston Martin to attend to first you know. All in good time. :mad:

[whygo4it]

Having read this thread and if all is to be believed i.e continuous late payments of salaries, key staff leaving, contracts pulled, AOC in suspension, assets being transferred into other group company names, I don't think you need to be a business ace to work out what's next :hmm:

Not good. Let's hope someone can pick up the pieces and keep the business going.

[ExMAGE]

Why

Very succint summary. Hopefully those affected will come out OK. As this has been going on so long now I imagine that there are several companies ready to pick up the peices, like Bond did for EAAA.

Strangely LMF hasn't been heard of recently, no pprune in the Aston I suppose.

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Bond helicopters run the majority of the UKAA so I expect they will get the contract.

Reliable and dependable unlike Sterling over the last few weeks.

With the issues they have I predict Sterling are on the way out. Even if they could put the key people in place over the next few weeks it would take months to sort out the paperwork and licenses by which time the contracts have migrated elsewhere.:=

[cladosporangium]

Ye Old Pilot, I must agree with you.

I did, however, bridle a little at your use of: "Sterling not being reliable and dependable".:*

Can we all agree that the blame for this cluster-flup lies squarely with Longmint Directors, the names of whom we all now know? :ok:

Sterling have excellent staff who have always given great service, and if not interfered with would still be doing sterling work!:D (see what I did there?)

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Sorry,

I meant of course the Longmint management and not the staff in the hangar or Gerry or anyone involved in Anglia Air Centre.

I cannot see the Sterling name surviving this.

Sad days for those who worked so hard to see it come to this.

Where are Bond working the operation offices from?

[freon1978]

"Skydrift's Bandeirante and Anglian Air Centre's aircraft have been transferred to Alan Mann. As has the old air ambulance G-EYNL"


My understanding is this is a long planned move.

[freon1978]

"I believe i am correct in saying, was the "not-for-profit" arm of Longmint aviation..... it was not planned to be like that though"

First we here at Skydrift had heard of being not for profit, we make a signifcant contribution to the group.

[bladegrabber]

Freo

Is skydrift part of the Longmint group? Hope not as we rely on you guys to support our offshore work!

BG

[freon1978]

Its part of the group yes, we're doing well and will be continuing to provide your support.

[Whirlygig]

Freon ... just a reminder that documents lodged at Companies House are available for anyone to view.

Cheers

Whirls

[vfr440]

I heard that Mann's Fixed Wing Part 145 approval has been suspended. Which won't help Skydrift at all? :confused: - VFR (I hope I'm wrong, I really do)

[Digital flight deck]

Freon, from what I have read here and else where, I would not feel too comfortable at being part of the Longmint Group.

[ExMAGE]

I thought the fixed wing work at Fairoaks was one of the few things bringing in money. If they have lost that as well as the police and ambulance contracts then where are the getting funding from. There are quite a few people in the group, although less each week, and they have several leases and ac mortgages.

Tomorrow will be intersesting!


EM

[freon1978]

Digital Flight Deck.

We're just keeping our noses to the grindstone and concentrating on doing our jobs. We have no control over what happens in the rest of the group so theres little point in worrying about it.

[Digital flight deck]

You are of course right, good luck to all of those involved.:ok:

[wickednorthernwitch]

freon1978

I can only conclude from your posting that you must be one of the DIRECTORS OF LONGMINT. I cannot imagine anyone else being that blase about everything.

Are you the female director that reportedly told some employees that if they complained about not being paid she would close the company?

[ExMAGE]

WNW

A little harsh I feel, whilst we know the main culprits in this side show I dont think Freon is at that level. From age show and date of joining pprune if nothing else.

There have been posters on other threads that are obviously at managment level, LMF perhaps. But there seems to be very little heard from the higher eschelons in defense of current goings on.

And besides the person to whom you refer never comminicates with anyone! Maybe she should just give up.

Freon is doing the right thing by trying to carry on normally to keep SD or whoever going, hopefully he/she is also keeping their options open

Regards

EM

[hands_on123]

Air ambulance terminates helicopter contract with Sterling - Business - Evening News (http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/business/air_ambulance_terminates_helicopter_contract_with_sterling_1 _821981)

The East Anglian Air Ambulance has terminated its helicopter contract with Sterling Aviation.The charity, which leased two yellow aircraft from Sterling, will continue to operate two helicopters through Bond Air Services on an interim basis until a new contract has been awarded.
The news follows the sudden grounding of the two Sterling helicopters last month, which led to the charity putting its contingency plans into place and operating services through Bond.
The reason for the suspension Sterling’s suspension of its flights has not been confirmed, but the company said last month it was working with the Civil Aviation Authority and its customers to resume a normal service as soon as possible.
Both Sterling and Bond have bases at Norwich International Airport.
Steve Whitby, deputy chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service, said: “Our first concern is, and always has been, the people of East Anglia and our priority is to make sure the people of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are well served by a high quality air ambulance.
“So, whilst we begin the process of finding a new permanent aircraft operator, it is very much business as usual for us. We have two helicopters serving the four counties and they continue to provide the same life-saving service.
“Over the past 10 years the East Anglian Air Ambulance has developed a reputation for delivering the best possible pre-hospital care to the people of the region.
“Whilst the situation with Sterling Aviation is regrettable, we have to ensure we continue to operate to the highest standards possible.
“I am hugely encouraged that there has been a smooth transition to an interim operator and this is testament to a strong contingency plan.
“We are now beginning to take the formal steps necessary to bring in a new operator and we will do this with the support of our key stakeholders.”

[twelveoclockhigh]

From today's EDP

Air ambulance terminates helicopter contract with Norwich-based company


By SAM WILLIAMS, Senior business writer ([email protected]) Monday, March 7, 2011
5:05 PM
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has terminated its helicopter contract with Sterling Aviation.




The charity, which leased two yellow aircraft from Sterling, will continue to operate two helicopters through Bond Air Services on an interim basis until a new contract has been awarded.

The news follows the sudden grounding of the two Sterling helicopters last month, which led to the charity putting its contingency plans into place and operating services through Bond.

The reason for the suspension Sterling’s suspension of its flights has not been confirmed, but the company said last month it was working with the Civil Aviation Authority and its customers to resume a normal service as soon as possible.

Both Sterling and Bond have bases at Norwich International Airport.
Steve Whitby, deputy chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service, said: “Our first concern is, and always has been, the people of East Anglia and our priority is to make sure the people of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are well served by a high quality air ambulance.

“So, whilst we begin the process of finding a new permanent aircraft operator, it is very much business as usual for us. We have two helicopters serving the four counties and they continue to provide the same life-saving service.

“Over the past 10 years the East Anglian Air Ambulance has developed a reputation for delivering the best possible pre-hospital care to the people of the region.

“Whilst the situation with Sterling Aviation is regrettable, we have to ensure we continue to operate to the highest standards possible.

“I am hugely encouraged that there has been a smooth transition to an interim operator and this is testament to a strong contingency plan.

“We are now beginning to take the formal steps necessary to bring in a new operator and we will do this with the support of our key stakeholders.”


Do you have information on Sterling Aviation? Call senior business writer Sam Williams on 01603 772447 or email [email protected]

[freon1978]

MNW

Have I been promoted and no one told me again.....?

No..Your conclusion is absolutely wrong. I'm just an employee who wants to see his company succeed, therefore securing his job and doesn't want to see a good company like Skydrifts name dragged through the mud.

ExMAGE

"Freon is doing the right thing by trying to carry on normally to keep SD or whoever going, hopefully he/she is also keeping their options open"

a good summary.

[996]

Well that was pretty much expected, I echo congratulations to the EAAA and those involved in maintaining the service despite the complete failure of LMA. I am saddened by the effect that this will have on those who thought there might be a lifeline. Hopefully the excellent crews will not be left high and dry.

Next:sad:

[cladosporangium]

Freon, on reflection I feel I owe you an apology, it was not my intention to bad-mouth Skydrift per se.

It is unfortunate, but just like EAAA and Sterling, you the "lions" are being led by "donkeys".

May I politely suggest that you remove your noses from the grindstone just long enough to glance at the Writing On The Wall?

Then get some writing on a C.V.

I sincerely hope thing turn out well for you and Skydrift, but I am sure that Longmint have royally bu**ered-up everything they have touched, and your company is likely to be carried along on the wave of incompetance. :{

[nightowl59]

Over at Sterling some got paid in full and some didn't:=

[Ye Olde Pilot]

And when that happens to a company it can only mean cash flow problems.

These must be interesting times in the Longmint office.

With the police and ambulance contracts gone where is the income going to come from to cover the lease/ insurance etc of grounded aircraft? Staff, buildings and other operational costs will be stacking as the revenue dries up.

This must be a very sad time for Gerry (who built the operation from one helicopter) to watch it all falling apart.

Now for facts on the ground. To get a picture of how the new air ambulance operation slots together the following may help.

There are 4 hangars at the western end of the field (south of 27 threshold). Google earth shows the layout well.

Sterling live in the most northerly (H14).
Sterling sub-let 1/2 the next down (H13) to NHV, and use the other 1/2 for storage, with offices on two floors to the rear - top floor is EAAA.
Sterling sub-let the next down (H12), currently 1/2 to Bond Offshore and 1/2 to Centreline (5 Rockwell Commanders maint), but in a couple of weeks Centreline leave and Bond OH take the whole of H12.
Skydrift live in most of the most southerly (H10) (there is no H11), but accommodate SaxonAir's EC120 while the new Saxon hangar is being built at the south end of taxiway E (not yet on G-earth) but due to open around Easter.

The EAAA operation is based in offices to landside of H13, and Bond Air Services have simply begun using those facilities, although I guess there may be some synergy with BOH in H12.

I understand EAAA were threatened that if they pulled the contract from Sterling they would be ejected from the offices forthwith (no prizes for guessing who made the threat), but in the event I understand EAAA are fully covered by a clause giving them 3 months notice in the event of contract termination. This I would guess would give sufficient security of tenure that Sterling will probably be history before they have to move out.
In any event EAAA have additional accommodation immediately adjacent to the field 1/2 mile south, which could hold their admin staff, and the crews could easily slide into H12 with BOH (as sister Co) without crowding.

There can be no doubt that Bond will get the contract but I feel for the staff at Sterling who played no part in this saga.

[206 jock]

There can be no doubt that Bond will get the contract but I feel for the staff at Sterling who played no part in this saga.

I'm led to believe that an ITT will be issued shortly, but it would make sense to think that Bond have no themselves no harm in providing assistance at short notice. Apparently Bond appear to have sharpened their pencil since losing a few contracts, mostly to MAS/PAS.

[wickednorthernwitch]

This is what happens when you have a 3 year old running the company. Come on everyone has heard of the "terrible twos" but in this scenario the child involved isn't particularly bright so development has been delayed! Possibly dropped on the head at birth?

I blame tv myself. There is that advert where the little boy is boss of the toilet paper company. Maybe they are in cahoots together because producing all this excrement will require an awful lot of toilet paper to clean it up. The Andrex puppy is very cute though.

I heard a rumour that a certain someone got thrown out her office and told to keep walking. There appears to be an awful lot of finger gestures being used! When the bosses don't understand basic spoken english what else is one supposed to do?

[EESDL]

wnw - now that would have been v funny if it wasn't so v tragic!
narrow escape myself - almost signed on the dotted line.....would have done but role subsequently reduced to hangar manager !!!!!!!!!
I suppose should be grateful that atleast they didn't have the manners to inform me of a change of plan so I could read about change of job spec in the local newspaper!
good luck to everyone involved - at the coal face that is........

[The Wonder Horse]

EAAA seem to be handling things well in the face of the Sterling mess.
Are there other agendas at play here?

I'm just keen to see the helicopters doing their jobs! It's the Sterling staff I feel sorry for. Air Ambo politics doesn't really float my boat.:confused:

[Ye Olde Pilot]

No doubt the management are continuing to rearrange the chairs as the Sterling ship continues to sink.

The Ch Eng has now quit because of not being paid.

Be interesting to see how the CAA react to the ongoing debacle.

Yet another day at the office for Longmint:ok:

[Nitram]

No Part M Holder, no Chief Engineer, No AOC, soon no Chief Pilot. This appears to be down to poor senior management. After this little lot can they have any contracts left at all. It would appear unrecoverable from this position unless Longmint were to sell up, but is there any one out there who would buy nothing. Sadly the good Guys and Gals at Sterling are being handed the ****ty end of a stick. Advice to them practice CV writing.

[wickednorthernwitch]

I can offer the names of a number of people that would happily remove the management.

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Vortex ring, two words helicopter pilots fear, sum up this situation.

I hope that Longmint are good at rabbit and hat tricks.

They never managed it at Shoreham:=

[Coconutty]

The Andrex puppy is very cute though.
Sorry, but even the Andrex Puppy isn't safe - and has been sacked,
only to be replaced with a computer generated version......


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d129/coconut11/AndrexPuppy.jpg

I would challenge the use of "cute" for the new puppy -
there's just NO substitute for the real thing http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/yeees.gif

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d129/coconut11/AndrexPuppy2.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d129/coconut11/Coconutty.jpg

[ExMAGE]

No Part M Holder, no Chief Engineer, No AOC, soon no Chief Pilot.:eek:

Ouch, these posts won't be quick or easy to replace.
I understand that similar postholders are leaving from other companies in the group. Surely they won't have enough "approved" people to cover everything

EM

[Phil Space]

Coconutty
Your post might just be funny if people were not losing their jobs and and decent folk working for a company started by a very nice person 20 years ago was not about to crash.

Bar humour is fine but has no place here:=

I notice you do not have the same attitude on the police helicopter cuts thread:rolleyes:

[cladosporangium]

Congratulations, Coconutty and wicked witch for bringing a bit of levity to these sorry proceedings!:D

Yes it is a shame.

But, to paraphrase Good-old Braveheart;

"They can take our jobs, but they can never take our sense-of-humour"

Lighten-up Phil. :rolleyes:

[wickednorthernwitch]

Come on Phil space lighten up.

Well said Clado (can't spell the rest of it!)

One thing I have learnt in my years in aviation is that you need a sense of humour.

Maybe if the execs at Longmint had a life and a sense of humour (like "normal" people) things wouldn't be such a mess.

I can sympathize with Gerry Hermer but I think when he left he knew what was on the cards - that's why the Air Ambulance was so well prepared.

So I personally loved the real puppy dog and hopefully he will return to tv shortly.

[ExMAGE]

Helihub website is showing that Alan Mann has taken ownership of the Sterling aircraft and some Fast and TAMS? aircraft. Is this the sign of a new company strategy or just more smoke and mirrors. They now have a lot of aircraft they can't make money from. Debt consolidations?

[Coconutty]

Bar humour is fine but has no place hereReally sorry about that Phil, I had no idea you had been promoted to Moderator,
and were now setting the rules and telling members what they could and could not post. :rolleyes:
I consider myself severely wagged at by your self appointed little finger :oh:

If YOU had a sense of humour, then apart from laughing at the majority of your own posts,
you might see the ironic form of humour within the Andrex puppy analogy.

But until you actually have anything constructive to say ( on any of the PPrune topics ),
then I won't be wasting any more of my time rising to your petty comments.


http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d129/coconut11/Coconutty.jpg

[OvertHawk]

understand that EAAAS own at least one of the engines in the Sterling machines and leased it back to them - i hope they have a watertight lease agreement and a good lawyer other with they're unlikely to ever see that half million again.

[nightowl59]

Alan Mann has taken ownership of the Sterling aircraft and some Fast and TAMS? aircraft

Aren't the above part of the Longmint Group?:confused:

[wickednorthernwitch]

My understanding is that EAAAS had to purchase the engine initially but they did eventually, with a little persuasion, recoup the cost from Sterling. This is from one of those "chinese whispers" but I cannot imagine Gerry Hermer being involved in anything illegal, especially if it is to benefit Longmint, and as EAAAS is a charity they are bound by lots of rules and regulations. Would you put your neck on the line for LONGMINT

Fast, Sterling, TAMS, Skydrift and Alan Mann are all part of LONGMINT along with Fairoaks and Shoreham. This is not a definitive list as they have their poison ivy spreading over lots of companies unfortunatley. If they are "selling" assets from one company to another within the group I sincerely hope that it hasn't all been done legally. I would be very happy to report them and it wouldn't be secretly.

I don't know any of the directors of Longmint but it seems from my understanding of the situation they must have got their degrees from the same university as the Gadaffi family. Or maybe they just went to the same shop for their genes!

Oh if only I was a real witch what fun I would have.

[whodictus]

Nightowl59
how can you say that AM has taken ownership of the Sterling aircraft when they are all mortgage to the hilt and more

[Ye Olde Pilot]

With the old Chief Engineer now gone the advert for his replacement has been posted while the operation gets ever slimmer.
Advert states Management experience essential:D
The AA, Wales and West pipelines contracts have gone along with EAAA and Police so the new guy will not have so much on his plate.

However the website still boasts the police and air ambulance contracts:=
I was just throwing out some old newspapers today when this from the Evening Standard caught my eye.

The face from the past that left me gasping | News (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23414573-the-face-from-the-past-that-left-me-gasping.do)
They could turn this in to a reality tv series...
http://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/i-love-lucy.jpg

[helihub]

exMAGE

Helihub website is showing that Alan Mann has taken ownership of the Sterling aircraft and some Fast and TAMS? aircraft. Is this the sign of a new company strategy or just more smoke and mirrors. They now have a lot of aircraft they can't make money from. Debt consolidations?

Many of the aircraft previously registered to Sterling Helicopters Ltd, Fast Helicopters, Alan Mann Helicopters, Skydrift Ltd and Total Air Management Services Ltd. But not all such aircraft, by some way.

The ones which did changes are now in the name of "Alan Mann Aviation Group Ltd.". Up to May 2010 this company was previously called "Mann Avionics Ltd"

I'm sure there is a good reason behind this, but it would appear to be somewhere between "fiddling while Rome burns" and "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic"

[Coconutty]

TOTM2U,

Nice One :ok:

( I shall try harder next time ;) )

I take it that your humorous analogy has something to do with Not Flying ? :p

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d129/coconut11/Coconutty.jpg

[996]

TOTM2U - excellent choice of clip and a realistic analogy :D:D

[nightowl59]

I was quoting from ExMAGE on entry #145

I now understand from reading further down the threads that Alan Mann Group or whatever it is called is part of Longmint:confused:

Thanks

Nightowl59:ok:

[whodictus]

Ye Olde Pilot
You laughed with Lucille Ball not at her

Happy Memories

[wickednorthernwitch]

With Sterling losing their contracts, I am assuming here that EAAAS and Police have gone, but what about the pipeline inspections?

I know "assume" makes an ass out of u and me but I still have to do a lot of it with no hard facts.

With the assumption that new contracts have to be sought, it makes one wonder if the megalomaniac at the helm intends to bid for any of them :confused: After all someone has to do the work and so why not the kind, caring, well loved management at Longmint. They would have to do it as there isn't anyone else left is there? They were all tired of :ugh:

Rumour has it that EAAAS is still owed for an engine. Is this the original engine or have they had to dig deep for another one? Hopefully not another one as I understand everything at Sterling was mortgaged or sold. Is it easy to remove an engine from a helicopter? Hopefully it will fit into the type that are at the company the contract goes to :rolleyes:

It must be a hard line to walk trying to keep the air ambulance flying and dealing with Longmint. :eek: not one I would like to walk.

Good luck for the future of all Sterling/Longmint staff with the exception of very senior management.

Just where did all the money go? :E

[Ye Olde Pilot]

I understand only Nat Grid and a couple of tiny pipelines left so a couple of Jetrangers on those contracts appears to be the core of what is left.

A lot of overheads to cover so lets see what happens this week.:=

For more background click this link
The face from the past that left me gasping | News (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23414573-the-face-from-the-past-that-left-me-gasping.do)

To save you reading it here is the intro...

One of the members of my social set at university was called Lucy Cummings. I remember she studied English. Later, I was impressed that she was doing an MBA at Insead.

She was one of the first of my contemporaries to take this step and it seemed like a terribly grown-up thing to do. My circle of friends broke up and she disappeared from my consciousness.

Then, yesterday, there she was. I was reading a Sunday paper account of the spectacular crash of Erinaceous. My eyes were drawn to a picture of the chief operating officer. My God, it was Lucy.

In the same way that Lucy, I'm sure would say if asked, that never in a million years did she see me doing what I'm doing, I could not imagine her heading up a property services group worth more than £400 million and a stock market high-flier. If pressed, I would have thought she had become a teacher or was perhaps running her own small business somewhere.

[Digital flight deck]

Just a thought, are any of the pilots and engineers still turning up for work?

[ExMAGE]

I could only imagine people are turning up because they have no where else to go. If they didn't urn up then it would be an excuse not to pay them; bearing in mind they are paid 5 weeks in arrears they would make it worse.

The moving of aircraft(ownership) looks suspicious at the moment; it may be completely above board but the timing doesn't look good.

Google is our friend, I found these with only a small amount of effort. They kind of show how they got here and sadly where thing might be going. Hopefully they managaed to pay the mortagage on the mansion before things go south.

Bellis family go to arbitration to set their house in order - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/2817117/Bellis-family-go-to-arbitration-to-set-their-house-in-order.html)

Hedge fund calls for Erinaceous scalps - Times Online (http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/construction_and_property/article2746858.ece)

Commercial Property and Business Property Listing - News (http://www.comproperty.com/news-story.php?id=1096)

http://www.iaopa.eu/mediaServlet/storage/gamag/dec07/GA_pp14-15.pdf

[Whirlygig]

so a couple of Jetrangers on those contracts appears to be the core of what is left.Let's not forget the poor sods who are in the middle of training ... for PPL, type, CPL whatever ... they have also been left in the lurch, not knowing where, or if, they can continue their training elsewhere.

Me, I just have an LPC to worry about.


Just where did all the money go? Ain't that just the million dollar question.

The current losses appear to have been caused by crippling interest payments on the mortgages plus some ill-qualified lawyer and and an even more ill-qualified MBA decided to gamble and re-mortgage the assets in Euros thus suffering even more crippling exchange losses.

Cheers

Whirls

[Digital flight deck]

(http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=42X487496&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Ffinance%2Fcomment%2F2 817117%2FBellis-family-go-to-arbitration-to-set-their-house-in-order.html&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pprune.org%2Fnewreply.php%3Fdo%3Dnewre ply%26noquote%3D1%26p%3D6304070)Bellis family go to arbitration to set their house in order - Telegraph (http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=42X487496&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Ffinance%2Fcomment%2F2 817117%2FBellis-family-go-to-arbitration-to-set-their-house-in-order.html&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pprune.org%2Fnewreply.php%3Fdo%3Dnewre ply%26noquote%3D1%26p%3D6304070)

Hedge fund calls for Erinaceous scalps - Times Online (http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/construction_and_property/article2746858.ece)

Commercial Property and Business Property Listing - News (http://www.comproperty.com/news-story.php?id=1096)

http://www.iaopa.eu/mediaServlet/sto...GA_pp14-15.pdf (http://www.iaopa.eu/mediaServlet/storage/gamag/dec07/GA_pp14-15.pdf)

All the articles are 3 or 4 years old and a lot can change in that time.

[cladosporangium]

Digital flight deck,

I think ExMAGE is setting the scene for what has subsequently happened to all the aviation assets that Longmint has aquired since.

There seems to be a pattern emerging.

Read the rest of the thread, and you may also see it. :ok:

[wickednorthernwitch]

Forgive my stupidity but I did my schooling at Hogwarts with Harry Potter.

I do not understand how Longmint can expect to keep the pipeline contracts when "all aircraft are grounded" as they have no AOC/Chief engineer/CAM/Chief pilot.

Some of their so called "assets" may not actually belong to them so hopefully they have not mortgaged those. Are they really that stupid? But then if they have been in severe financial problems before - and we are talking about "educated" people - one would expect them to have learnt from their mistakes. Ha! Ha! :ugh:(we need a falling over laughing icon here)

It would be great if everyone concerned got what was owed to them (especially management) :E

[Sliding Doors]

There seems to be a pattern emerging.

And Googling Thurston Aviation (based at Stansted when trading), Filemart, and Temple Microsystems will support that pattern :eek:

[Keepitup]

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/lachen/laughing-smiley-014.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/lachen/laughing-smiley-017.gif
There you go WNW

Smilies Smiley Emoticons - Collection of free animated smilies, animated smiley , emoticons , smiley - emails, forum and board (http://www.clicksmilies.com/)

just copy/paste

Keepitup

[Nitram]

Just heard from a reliable source that national grid have given Sterling fourteen days notice makes you wonder if there are any contracts left

[wickednorthernwitch]

Thanks keepitup.

Well the jungle drums are busy today because I also heard that Sterling had been given 14 days notice by National Grid to get their house in order and that INCLUDES PAYING ALL STAFF ANY MONEY THAT IS OWED! :D

Wow where are they going to get that from? Many of the staff have been struggling for months with the salary problems so I would doubt that they are all paid up to date.

Then there are their creditors and from what I can gather there will be many of those. It could include EAAAS for that engine (unless it is already paid for, as no one is confirming or denying that) and what about the Police and the pipeline people (including National Grid) do they have any comeback for the extra costs involved of getting their jobs done by someone else?

Look on the bright side - they are presumably still getting income from renting hangarage to EAAAS unless they moved after the "teddies out the cot" incident.

Another rumour - not sure if there is any truth in it - was that they are managing to fly "jollies". How can they do that without an AOC? :\

[nigelh]

Fast could be doing them as they have an AOC

[Nitram]

Thought FAST only had a CAP 360 is it

[wickednorthernwitch]

It was definitely Sterling that I heard about. If they can use another company's AOC from within the group I would imagine that they would still be flying their contracts :confused:

Now then Whirls
Have you got any more information on where all the money may have gone? I did do a bit of googling and it was interesting about people paying their lawyer extremely large sums of money for services :hmm:.

Talking about keeping it in the family - Sterling was a very loyal family type employer in the early days. Next time someone tells you to be brave, it is just 3 small words, just remember it is amazing how 3 small words can cause so much destruction "Bellis Bellis Cummings":E to so many people's lives.

[whodictus]

It would be different doing jollies under someone else AOC you just get someone else to fly it but contractual work requires a transfer of undertaking of some sort agreed by all parties.

[helihub]

WNW - Make that 4 words, they're more even more loyal than you think! The MD of Alan Mann Aviation Group is Mr Nick Cummings

[Whirlygig]

The MD of Alan Mann Aviation GroupHe might call himself the MD but he's not listed as a director at Companies House.

Have you got any more information on where all the money may have gone? I'm working on it but it is a bit of a busman's holiday to come home to in the evenings. :)

Cheers

Whirls

[lowfat]

Lets clear a silly rumour up...Sterling has NOT flown ANY flights since they lost the AOC .

They have done ground runs on several helicopters but that is normal engineering practise if your helicopters are inactive...

[wickednorthernwitch]

Ground runs :confused: You mean there are still pilots and engineers working at Sterling. Surprised that they can afford the fuel at todays prices. Don't seem to able to afford much else.

[wickednorthernwitch]

TOTM2U

From your previous post I assume you are a recent (if not still employed - with or without pay) person at Sterling.

Just what is the situation on the ground at Sterling? If Bond do keep the new contracts are they going to offer employment to any of the Sterling staff? Well they are in place and they have been doing a brilliant job in spite of all the hassle, I am including all ground staff and not just pilots.

I remember a colleague when she left to have a baby said "all her years working with pilots gave her the experience required to deal with babies and difficult toddlers". I'm not suggesting that ground staff all run out and start a family but there is always a need for childcare. The money may not be great but at least you should be paid. But then you should get paid to work at Sterling!

[Sliding Doors]

WWN you know what they say about ASSUME..

At a guess the same thing they'd say about reading the question :E

WNW's previous post was directed at TOTM2U

[Ye Olde Pilot]

Happy St Pats day to you TOTM2U:ok:

Will you have any lucky shamrock for Lucy?

[lowfat]

WNW

Your lack of the basics of aviation legislation is only surmounted by your lack of any actual facts in the current situation that the remaining good people at Sterling find them selves in.
Might I suggest that instead of listening to Chinese whispers whilst plane spotting at the perimeter fence, You acquaint your self with this

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP393.pdf

Then you would understand what utter rubbish you are sprouting.

[whodictus]

Lowfat

Come on if you know the facts lets hear them then this can be put to bed

[lowfat]

Look all I object too is the utter bo~~ox that wnw is spreading.

Wnw is stating that Sterling are flying "jollies".

1.We all know the staff aren't paid up to date.

2.We all know they have no AOC.

3.We all Know they have no Part M post holder.

So what self respecting professional pilot is going to risk HIS license, HIS liberty and HIS career illegally flying a non compliant helicopter for a company that may dissappear by the time this post is read.

Come on Boys and Gals let WNW go back to OZ to listen to all his Munchkin friends and lets cut the Cr@p.

[lowfat]

WNW

Stop trying to back pedal now... And I quote "was that they are managing to fly "jollies". How can they do that without an AOC?"

For some one who has just admitted not to be involved with aviation just what is your purpose with all this misinformation that you are posting.

Did the lovely Lucy reject your advances?

Because for the life of me I cannot see what you are trying to achieve you obviously have no idea what the poor souls at Sterling are going through with the threat of losing livelihoods.

I don't condone what the longmint directors are doing but posting up wild accusations about the remaining staff has no place here.....

Shame on you WNW

[wickednorthernwitch]

Lowfat

I did say that it was rumour. At no point did I state it was fact.

You seem to feel that you have all the facts here. I have never been that presumptious.

As for the "lovely" Lucy. I have heard her called many things, by people that know her, and lovely has never been one of them.

You are assuming again that I know nothing about the "poor souls" at Sterling. I never said that:=. What I do know is that they have worked diligently to get the task done in spite of the dispicable behaviour of the Longmint directors.

This is about Sterling personnel, which by your own admission is not you. The "people" deserve better than this and they deserve to know the facts but the Longmint Directors are not forthcoming. If they were bankers they would be getting a bonus and unlike the bankers they would deserve it.

As you seem to know so much maybe you can explain about the TETRA radios and avionics equipment that were apparently paid for by the EAAAS. Being non technical, as well as not up on aviation law, can you please explain to me in simple terms why Sterling would not have provided this equipment as part of the fit on the Air Ambulance and how easy it is for the EAAAS to retrieve it all.

[Rigga]

Lowfat said:
"1.We all know the staff aren't paid up to date.

2.We all know they have no AOC.

3.We all Know they have no Part M post holder.

So what self respecting professional pilot is going to risk HIS license, HIS liberty and HIS career illegally flying a non compliant helicopter for a company that may dissappear by the time this post is read."
No mention yet of the MRO approval being withdrawn?
No-one has yet stated that the Heli's are not compliant? or that the documentation is not compliant?

Officially, they have no AOC due to the lack of a post holder.

And/or?....

[Rigga]

....and Tetra radios are only for Home Office use - not for commercial aviation, hence HO Ownership.

(don't ask me why I'd know that, I might have to 'silence' you afterwards)

[nodrama]

can you please explain to me in simple terms why Sterling would not have provided this equipment as part of the fit on the Air Ambulance

Simple terms: customer wants a modification fitted to the leased helicopter, customer pays for it. Tetra isn't just a bolt on, plug in modification.

You may also find that Sterling didn't have the necessary approvals to install this modification. Also requires co-operation with several sub-contract agencies.

[Qualityman]

Apparently the "jollies" could be - not actual flying but taking money for "jollies" at the sea side. Future bookings? If that is actually happening "Mr. Lowfat Aviation Law expert" can tell us and he can tell us if it is legal.

I can't see how that can be illegal - Red Letter Days, Virgin Experiences and many other Adventure Experience companies have been doing exactly that for years, and none of them have their own AOC. As long as the flight is actually conducted by a valid AOC holder there is no problem.

[Digital flight deck]

Can we now please put the toys back in the pram girls?

[wickednorthernwitch]

Thanks for that folks it was all very helpful.

Rigga
What do you mean by MRO approval being withdrawn? I may not be very knowledgeable but I am very curious. Luckily I am not a cat!

Qualityman
I understand about selling Red Letter Days (wasn't it them that went bankrupt at one point?) etc but they never intended to fly the purchasers themselves it was always meant to be contracted out.

If Sterling/Longmint are selling "tickets" is the money being ringfenced to ensure that the customer will actually get what they are paying for, or is it going into the same pot as the unpaid salaries?

Sterling have no AOC, no CAM, no Chief engineer and the Chief pilot is soon to depart (has anyone seen his job advertised?) and this list is not definitive. From what I can gather they are soon to have no contracts, hence no income. Maybe Lucy is hoping that National Grid have a lobotomy before 28th March 2011, cannot see any other way they are going to let Sterling keep the contract.:uhoh:

When they did have profitable contracts and money coming in they were still not in a position to pay salaries in full (this, to my knowledge, never happened in Gerry Hermer's day). So please gentlemen/ladies do not trample each other in the rush for any vacancies advertised at Sterling.

[wickednorthernwitch]

Sorry Digital Flight Deck and all other readers. I never intended my posts to become "handbags at dawn".

I was very taken back by the strength of response by someone (who has no involvement with Sterling/Longmint of course) to certain posts and unfortunately I do enjoy winding some people up. :=

I will do my best to behave in future. But sometimes the opportunity is just too hard to resist.

[Whirlygig]

is the money being ringfenced to ensure that the customer will actually get what they are paying for,No, of course it isn't. And that isn't just down to immorality or otherwise of Sterling's off-site finance department, that is standard business practice.

If the worst came to the worst and Sterling became insolvent, the insolvency practitioners would treat those payments in advance like any other trade creditor - they are not legally required to be ringfenced.

This is why you don't pay up front.

Cheers

Whirls

[cladosporangium]

Just looked-up "insolvent" in the dictionary, it says: "not able to discharge all debts or liabilities".

Since Longmint, for quite some time now, have consistently paid their staff either late, partially or in stages, then does that not fit the description of "insolvent" already?

My reasoning is that they must have a pay-day on which they should be paid in full, and if not then it seems the debt is not discharged.

Discuss. :ok:

[Whirlygig]

Unless a business declares/volunteers itself to be insolvent, it's otherwise up to the courts to decide. And for the courts to decide, someone must bring an insolvency action against them (winding-up petition).

Cheers

Whirls

[500e]

Rigga
"...and Tetra radios are only for Home Office use - not for commercial aviation, hence HO Ownership."
Not correct TETRA is a semi digital method of sending information it is used by a number of company's throughout the world, the Home offices uses a Tetra system supplied by Airwave solutions, that is for public services, AT VAST expense (PFI)
From Tetra MOU
UK
AirRadio has launched its latest TETRA network service along with a Digital Showcase profiling a digital communications service for airports, at London Heathrow Airport. AR-en, the Enhanced Network from AirRadio, is the system deployed at the world’s busiest international airport.
The network at Heathrow is the single largest TETRA network dedicated to commercial use in the UK and replicates the AirRadio system that has been in use at Birmingham International Airport since 2006. The system now includes data compression software [i]-SqZ from Infomatrix which maximises the speed of data transfer over the AR-en network for live data applications. The Digital Showcase illustrates and demonstrates the ways that data can improve operational performance in a live network environment. Suppliers of terminal equipment for use on the network include: EADS, Motorola, Sepura and Teltronic. Applications currently being made available include Airport Intranet Access, Task Allocation, Picture & Video Transmission, WAP Access, Messaging and Airport Informat

An overview

What is TETRA Mobile Radio :: Radio-Electronics.Com (http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/private-mobile-radio/tetra/what-is-tetra-radios-communications.php)

It is a shame to see good people being shafted.:mad:

[Danscowpie]

I bumped into Gerry H a few days ago.

He always cared desperately about "his baby" when he owned the Company, but in the many, many years I have known him and been in aviation, rarely have I seen anyone so distressed about something over which he has no control, or if it comes down to it, no interest in any more.

I think that most people at Sterling now know that it'll take a miracle to save the Company, those who stay on do so because Gerry, through his professionalism and personal ethics instilled that loyalty and they stuck with him even in the most desperate of times (and there were a few of those). It wasn't all rose tinted glasses and he'll be the first to admit it, but at least he was an honourable employer and operator.

Personally I think those times are well and truly gone and they should take whatever they can get until they get what they want, but staying on to work for nothing for a bunch of Charlatans isn't an option.

[Rigga]

Ms Witch,
My apologies for spooking you - I meant to say that the MRO approval hasn't been withdrawn yet as there has been no anouncement of that. Obviously the Chf Eng has not left (yet) or has already been replaced?

500e,
You obviously jump on people for a living and with both feet stretched out in front of you, even when you write the answer to your own question. Tetra or Tetra? You decide which I meant.

[wickednorthernwitch]

I'm being a good witch today, my intention was to annoy certain people that I believe monitor this site. I did not intend to offend anyone else whether they admit to working for Sterling or not. The workers at Sterling are a great bunch and deserve much better from their employers. I have never intended to imply otherwise.

Gerry Hermer inspired loyalty in his staff and whilst there, during Longmints time, he protected the workforce as best he could, including delaying his departure for those that came across from TAMS.

The current Chief pilot (soon to depart from the company) is working very hard behind the scenes to get the best for his staff, sometimes to his own detriment. YOU CAN'T GET BLOOD OUT OF A STONE no matter how hard you squeeze.

The issue here is "what can anyone do?". That is the frustration of many but the reality is we ARE NOT DEALING WITH "NORMAL" PEOPLE. Nothing appears to matter to them except power and money. Normal rules do not apply.

For Sterling I feel that the end is near. I can only hope that with it comes the downfall of the people that have ruined it, and many other companies too.

The funerals of the Longmint directors would have a lot of people in attendance. Very few I imagine to mourn their passing but many to dance on their graves;)

[helihub]

I share this one on the basis that this is a Rumour Network. Heard yesterday that Longmint are planning another purchase :eek: in a more westerly direction. I guess ti's dependent on the bank doing its due diligence - wonder if that includes reading this thread!!

Nothing like going out with a bang :ok: More for the hovering vultures to feast on when the time comes

[Whirlygig]

So that'll be FAST's aircraft re-mortgaged to pay for the new purchase then. :rolleyes: :*:ugh:

Cheers

Whirls

[Epiphany]

Is that the purchase of the new Aston Martin? I thought that Longmint directors leased those?

[ExMAGE]

Doubt there is anything left to mortgage. Surely any new money could go to paying the staff, supplires and aircraft owners first.
Mind you would mind an Aston myself at the impending auction:rolleyes:

[chris59]

They could also remortgage Newick Park Country Hotel ,worth a few quid

[doolallyalli]

I only heard about a new purchase when the rumour was the other company pulled out.

Oh maybe there is a God after all.

[ExMAGE]

Got myself twisted in what is/was rumoured.
Is there a purchase because someone else pulled out of a deal and Longmint are stepping in or has the purchase fallen through because the other party pulled out?

Interesting to see who would/will get into bed with that management team!

EM

[doolallyalli]

sorry about that :ugh:

What I meant to say was:

I heard about the new company but only when the story was being told that they had declined LONGMINTS offer to purchase

I never was very quick off the mark. Recent events may have come to light and the company felt they would do better alone.

If its true they had a very narrow escape

[996]

I thought the possible 'purchase' was the one mentioned last year and that because Longmint had not paid as agreed - an amount by a certain date [no surprise there then] - the seller told them to get lost and pulled out of the deal. If this is correct then this 'rumor' is in fact old news. The pulling out is not though.

As for re mortgaging or other finance, not too sure there is anyone out there stupid enough to entertain them. But in the end it won't make much difference to the inevitable. Just a minor delay.

[Rigga]

Going by other internet available data, buying companies is what "longmint" is good at - They're just have no idea of how to manage them once they have them!

Can't remember if that was in the Times or a financial paper...

[cladosporangium]

ExMAGE

Did you feel that?

There was a massive shudder at the mere thought of getting into bed with any of longmint (mis)management team. :yuk:

[doolallyalli]

Let's hope that no one is desperate enough to get into bed with any one of the Longmint directors.

We should not be breeding from people with their particular character flaws. We are screwed up enough without more like them.

It did amuse me that in an earlier post lowfat had suggested that WNW's advances had been turned down by Lucy. Does she get enough advances to be particular?

[ExMAGE]

Yes the thought of another company being run into the ground does send a shudder down my spine.

Sadly the papers don't seem to have picked up on Longmint just old references to Erinaceous. They are a bit busy elasewhere.

doolallyalli
The mere thought is a prophylatic

[nightowl59]

"Rumour" has it that the CAA are back at Sterling Helicopters today:confused:

[ExMAGE]

Whilst rumors are about I saw this on the UK police budget Cut thread. Are they trying to ground all police units!


Any truth in the rumour that longmint may have applied for the piloting contract for NPAS?


Nightowl

I would imagine that there is not much for the CAA to see there at the moment, can't imagine that an actual Longmint (mis)manager would be present.

They also need to amend there website a tad as many pages should now be blank!

[doolallyalli]

From what I have read I would be surprised if there was anyone there except the "rats".

[OvertHawk]

I thought that the "Rats" left first - and took all the money!

[Rigga]

I've been away a while and this threads gone all quiet...

Did everyone get paid? Did they get the line flying back?

What's the news?

[nightowl59]

Last I heard on the grapevine; not everyone had got paid and not seen or heard of them returning to flying:confused:

Yes what is the news? Is there any news? :confused:

[Nitram]

It appears that there is still no AOC and very few contract left tomorrow is the 28th go back 14 days and you will see that the word was out about National Grids contract going after a fortnight so if a fairy godmother or a wicked witch can cast a spell now might be an opertune moment :rolleyes:

[Rigga]

Nitram,

Thanks for the update.

I've checked for FGM and WW traffic and there doesn't appear to be any plans logged for this area...

Regards
Rigga

[lowfat]

End of the month the Part 145 is due for renewal....

[ExMAGE]

So at the end of the month when many are soon expecting their pay for March; Longmint staff still haven't been paid fully for Feb?

Sterling 145 is shortly to expire, even with the right people how are they going to pay for the renewal?

How is the rest of the group looking?

Maybe this thread should be called " is this an accident waiting to happen"?

[wickednorthernwitch]

This company has been an accident waiting to happen for some time and it is only down to the professionalism of the staff that there was not a major accident. You cannot behave as the Longmint directors have in aviation without affecting flight safety. Money worries can be a distraction for anyone but even worse when they are not of your making and you have no control over it. Longmint directors wouldn't know about that!

Rumour was that National Grid had given Sterling 14 days to get back to flying and I don't think they have been flying for National Grid today. But have National Grid pulled the contract? Maybe Sterling are just going to put another bid in for it. This time they can put in a low bid as they have very few staff that they pay.:eek:

With such a litigation happy company are they going to sue National Grid?
More money in LEGAL FEES. Well they have to justify where all the money has gone somehow. :=

I also heard that all the staff were NOT PAID and if you put your notice in you have no chance of getting what is owed but you are still expected to work. Wonder what they are doing about references :rolleyes:

Do people need a P45 to get another job? Maybe all the staff should book into Newick Park and stage a sit in until they get what is owed.

[Whirlygig]

Do people need a P45 to get another job? No you don't ... and it's even less of a problem when we start the new tax year on 6th April.

When you start a new job without a P45, your new employer will require you to complete and sign a P46 form on which you will confirm that you have no other job nor are claiming taxable benefits. HMR&C will use this form to put you on a Month 1 basis for tax. As you'd be starting out at the beginning of the tax year, then there would be no difference. A P46 instead of a P45 only becomes a problem (for the employee) at the end of a tax year when there has been a period of unemployment as you can't get back your unused personal allowance.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Whirls

[whodictus]

Whirls I think you should change your name to "Font of all knowledge":D

[Whirlygig]

;) Thank you ... but maybe just "Font of all Taxation Knowledge" :8

Cheers

Whirls

[cladosporangium]

Overheard, somewhere in the east of england..........

National Grid have ceased their contract with Longmint/sterling. :(

[Baggywrinkles]

Clad
Does that mean there are no contracts left at Sterling
BW

[cladosporangium]

Not sure but if there are any they probably are in the process of moving elsewhere.

[twelveoclockhigh]

According to the CAA's latest list of AOC holders - Sterling don't have one:

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/1196/AOCListN_Z_20110328.pdf

[Baggywrinkles]

It appears that National Grid have move to Helicentre at Leics. and at least one member of staff has moved as well as a previous employee now employed by National Grid I would think that more will follow as it appears there are no contract left

[helihub]

Sterling had three pipeline contracts, PDG picked up two for a four month interim until National Grid go for something a bit more permanent (from 1st July, I suspect)

twelveoclockhigh - refer back to post #28 on this thread (page 2) where I noted the CAA suspended the AOC on 22nd February

[JulieAndrews]

Hey mods.....This is painful, let's kill the thread......just has LMFlyer has killed Sterling.
Sorry for the employess but looks like there is not much left but bones to pick over?
:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[nightowl59]

Before you kill it off; rumour has it here in the East Midlands (and this a rumour network!) that Longmint/Sterling have been served with a Statutory Demand

Anyone care to comment or confirm :confused:

[Rigga]

On the contrary, I think any bones should be picked over - and in the open.

I dont mean slanging matches - but reasoned discussion on the decline and fall of such a good and reputable organisation.

Personally, I'd like to know what business and interaction factors made this mess, but not exactly who made the mess.

[ExMAGE]

Yes this is painful but that is because of what is happening and therefore rigga is correct that the information should continue to be discussed not just slagging people off.

However the future East Anglian Ambulance is now secure, so the title is misleading.

So is it time for a new thread?

"how not to run a helicopter company"
"how to make a small fortune from a large one"
"People you shouldn't work for"
"how not to get paid!"

All tongue in cheek of course

[Rigga]

"How to become a millionaire in aviation"


First, you need to be a multi-millionaire...

[Whirlygig]

Is there any law against a company issuing pay statements but not paying what is on that statement ie: expenses or maybe even salary?. Or Sterling may have been claiming expenses from National Grid but not passing them on to the workforce that have incurred those expenses?Of course there is; it's called Breach of Contract and, in this case, the contract is the employment contract. But sadly, if the company has no money in the bank, there is not a lot the law can do to protect you.

In the event of a company going into liquidation, employees' salaries are fairly high up the list of preferential creditors but only to the tune of £800 each. If salaries owed are greater than that, then the balance becomes part of the "pot" of trade creditors who may get a pittance at the end. Expenses also are sadly part of the pot.

Statutory Demands Explained (http://www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk/legal_issues_explained/statutory_demand.php#WhatIsAStatutoryDemand)

And may I wish Chief Pilot all the best in the future.

Cheers

Whirls

[hands_on123]

Yeah, witness the Biggin Hill Helicopters debacle. Despite all the small claims, employee tribunials, CCJs, notice to wind up etc etc..nobody ever got their money back, employees and customers.

[Baggywrinkles]

Whirls
I can understand if your pay statement say one thing and you get paid somthing else, does the same apply if your pay statement has a payment date different to the day you are actually paid?
BW

[Whirlygig]

Yes - your employment contract should state the day(s) on which you should receive your salary and the dates for which the salary applies i.e. "your salary will be £36,000 per annum payable per calendar month and will be paid on the last Friday of the month by direct credit transfer".

Any deviation from that (outside mutually agreed amendments) is a breach of contract. But, if your employer has no money, whaddya gonna do?

Anyone who is self-employed/freelance is in an even weaker position unfortunately.

Cheers

Whirls

[PANews]

Whilst picking over the bones....

I would be interested to hear what happens to the two BK117s previously operated on behalf of the EAAA and their engine parts that were donated to the Sterling operation [using charity money :\ to keeping Sterling viable for a while .... I assume:uhoh:].

I can ask the Charity [they told me originally] but first I would like to know there is a question to ask.... and that might be when the aircraft [+ engine parts] move.

[cladosporangium]

Been away for a while.

I see we are "picking over the bones"

Does this mean that Sterling have been wound-up?

Can anyone confirm? :sad:

[Baggywrinkles]

Whirls
Thanks for that info.

Clado
Sterling have not been wound up but there are no contracts left so unless there is some sort of a miracle lurking around the corner. However it is being said by management that when the AOC is reinstated the contracts will return:hmm:, but can't see that happening. Just hope the CVs are going to the right places but times are hard for everyone so who knows what will happen.

[ExMAGE]

So where is this now?

Have new people(postholders) come in and the AOC is still going?
Will the contracts come back?

Has anyone been paid for March?

Is Longmint still up to its normal grinding evryone down?

With nearly 30,000 views and over 200 posts there was a lot of interest can't believe that's all gone now

[bolkow15]

Longmint moved the company pay day to the 6th (without notice to employees) so we will have to see tomorrow!

[nightowl59]

Does anyone know if Longmint paid their staff today? :confused:

Rumour has it they didn't :=

[cladosporangium]

It's all gone quiet again...... :suspect:

Cm'on fellas, what's happening? :suspect:

[996]

I feel that it is unlikely that anyone will get paid. There is no income just a pile of unpaid bills. How long do you display loyalty before you realise that in fact you are in public with your head in the sand and your pants around your ankles? Guess what comes next then! :eek:

[Danscowpie]

I have been contacted privately by a current employee who asked me to state thus:

1. Those who resigned and walked out because they had another job to go to, got nothing.

2. Those who resigned giving the required notice then left, but were told they could go immediately and would be paid in full, didn't get paid for some or all of their notice period.

3. Some employees still on the books, haven't been paid properly for months, March being one of them. However, if they walk it's construed as "choosing to leave" and they'll get no state benefit for about 6 months, so they're as well to stay and take the Government minimum redundancy when the Company finally sinks to the bottom of the western apron at NWI.

Its a bloody awful position to be in for them - damned if they do, damned if they don't.
To be ruled over by such an incompetent bunch must make it all the worse, especially when some of the incumbant "Senior Management" in situ at NWI must have had a good idea what was happening.

In my personal opinion, they, let alone Longminge have lot to answer for.

[Rigga]

Wow,
I knew it was bad - but I didn't realise they had to go to HUY to be treated that way?