What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
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Oni
I think Oni will stay in the UK for the forseeable future. He is doing a good job. The ops boss in Aberdeen is having to move to GOM as they are rudderless. Rob will be a great loss to the UK but he is leaving ONI who is a Gent... Bristow seems to have a management they can trust!! at te moment, radical but true. The current BALPA regimen has a lot to do with it too. The semi previous encumbent is still barking up the wrong confrotational tree... in the wilds of the fens!!!
Swamps,
"Work" is a four letter word.....like "Wife", "Kids" for instance.
While employed I "worked" only when cornered.
"Work" is a four letter word.....like "Wife", "Kids" for instance.
While employed I "worked" only when cornered.
Join Date: Dec 2003
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If things are that good for Bristow why are so many leaving? One expat and one national 412 trainers in the last few months. One Canadian already mentioned who had Legionnaire's disease (though he didn't catch it in Nigeria), one Caribbean pilot about to leave like the last one, a national about to go to Arik, one American back to the GOM.... the list goes on. Few people leave Snake Island or the Shell contracts in PH or Warri, but that's because they have a good work routine, more time off and good housing. More are leaving from Eket and Calabar and the S76 fleet because of reasons such as a crap work routine, poor housing, poor security. Many staff think the new local allowances are also crap and unfair, depending which operation they're on.
As for Oni coming back, I don't think so. He's only been in Aberdeen for a short time and he's doing a good job there. I think he'd more likely go to Houston for a spell before returning to Nigeria (if he returns). It's more than likely to be another bean counter with little or no knowledge of the helicopter industry, just like Danny. After all, he's got Dapo, Sags and PeeWee to give advice on the Ops side of things. Whoever it is will have a hard job negotiating with the oil companies next time around. As Phone Wind mentioned, oil companies don't like being threatened and they have very, very long memories (look at how Bristow never had any contracts in the North Sea after old man Bristow's row with Douglas Bader when he was with Shell). They'll be threatened themselves with losing contract renewals to CHC if they try it again and CHC would just love to be the only company in Nigeria (not that the oil companies will allow that - look to see Caverton pick up some scraps as a result of all this).
Too many Bristow pilots know what happens when they voice any opinions against management. It's still not an enlightened company in its treatment of employees who have issues with it. CHC have a few pilots in Nigeria who have had major problems with management (including problems with Bristow management - though cannibalism is pretty extreme
), but somehow they seem to be able to cope and still get along with them. Many in Bristow are waiting to see what, if any, changes will happen when Danny's replacement arrives and whether there will be any changes in the operations department. Despite some predictions as to what would happen with CHC when Alan Anderson was replaced and L4 was joined by even more managers, they seem to have fewer staffing issues at present (part of which may be due to a better pay and allowances deal than Bristow. Even the pension deal is likely to be improved as Bristow has a better deal on that. Have any Bristow pilots had a look to see how their company pension fund is doing at the moment? They may get a surprise if they do.
As for Oni coming back, I don't think so. He's only been in Aberdeen for a short time and he's doing a good job there. I think he'd more likely go to Houston for a spell before returning to Nigeria (if he returns). It's more than likely to be another bean counter with little or no knowledge of the helicopter industry, just like Danny. After all, he's got Dapo, Sags and PeeWee to give advice on the Ops side of things. Whoever it is will have a hard job negotiating with the oil companies next time around. As Phone Wind mentioned, oil companies don't like being threatened and they have very, very long memories (look at how Bristow never had any contracts in the North Sea after old man Bristow's row with Douglas Bader when he was with Shell). They'll be threatened themselves with losing contract renewals to CHC if they try it again and CHC would just love to be the only company in Nigeria (not that the oil companies will allow that - look to see Caverton pick up some scraps as a result of all this).
Too many Bristow pilots know what happens when they voice any opinions against management. It's still not an enlightened company in its treatment of employees who have issues with it. CHC have a few pilots in Nigeria who have had major problems with management (including problems with Bristow management - though cannibalism is pretty extreme
), but somehow they seem to be able to cope and still get along with them. Many in Bristow are waiting to see what, if any, changes will happen when Danny's replacement arrives and whether there will be any changes in the operations department. Despite some predictions as to what would happen with CHC when Alan Anderson was replaced and L4 was joined by even more managers, they seem to have fewer staffing issues at present (part of which may be due to a better pay and allowances deal than Bristow. Even the pension deal is likely to be improved as Bristow has a better deal on that. Have any Bristow pilots had a look to see how their company pension fund is doing at the moment? They may get a surprise if they do.
Tok,
Funny you should mention "pension" concerns. It would be interesting to do a poll and see how many retiree's drew a cash settlement vice trusting the pension fund enough to elect the monthly pay method. I would bet very few "trusting" souls exist and by far the rest have elected to grab the cash and run.
Funny you should mention "pension" concerns. It would be interesting to do a poll and see how many retiree's drew a cash settlement vice trusting the pension fund enough to elect the monthly pay method. I would bet very few "trusting" souls exist and by far the rest have elected to grab the cash and run.
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Bristow Nigeria Fixed-Wing Fleet
Does anybody have info on Bristow's fixed-wing fleet and job opportunities in Nigeria? They are supposed to have Dornier Jets.
Every answer is much appreciated
Every answer is much appreciated
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Germany
Age: 76
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Make that "used to"
operate three Dornier 328-300 Jets for Shell, whose airplanes they are.
Last I heard, the contract ended with the aircraft grounded pending disposal. So I think you can forget Bristow Fixed-wing for the noo. It was fun while it lasted, being snobby to all those country cousin helo pilots in the bar but guess who had the last laugh? Bah!
If you have any great desire to fly a Twin Otter then PM me and I shall set you upon The Path of Righteousness.
I describe it so because it shall be easier for a camel to pass through The Eye of the Needle than for a rich man to enter The Kingdom of Heaven. On present wages if and when my rotary-wing brethren get there you shall all find me sat at the right hand of God. So there!
Last I heard, the contract ended with the aircraft grounded pending disposal. So I think you can forget Bristow Fixed-wing for the noo. It was fun while it lasted, being snobby to all those country cousin helo pilots in the bar but guess who had the last laugh? Bah!
If you have any great desire to fly a Twin Otter then PM me and I shall set you upon The Path of Righteousness.
I describe it so because it shall be easier for a camel to pass through The Eye of the Needle than for a rich man to enter The Kingdom of Heaven. On present wages if and when my rotary-wing brethren get there you shall all find me sat at the right hand of God. So there!
Nigerian In Law
Whoa !!
Not so fast there, Chuks my old marrow !! It appears that while that was Shell's desire, their Lear jet sharing agreement with Total is proving somewhat disappointing, resulting in crews being called in hither and thither to do short notice flights for no less a mortal than the MD of Shell his very self. 
So just like the S76 they dropped and recalled two days later, while they may want to cut their business unit costs and try to turn round the figures from lost production, they simply cannot do without good old Bristow after all.
Maybe this was all a really convoluted plot to get rid of you due to the constant complaints from thin skinned Lagos rotary types who didn't jibe with your acerbic wit in the bar ?
Not like the rhino skinned Bell guys.......
Cheers,
NEO
So just like the S76 they dropped and recalled two days later, while they may want to cut their business unit costs and try to turn round the figures from lost production, they simply cannot do without good old Bristow after all.
Maybe this was all a really convoluted plot to get rid of you due to the constant complaints from thin skinned Lagos rotary types who didn't jibe with your acerbic wit in the bar ?
Not like the rhino skinned Bell guys.......Cheers,
NEO
Hang on NEO.....it was not the Rotary crowd that our Chuks made the mistake of putting the barb to but rather his ability to irk some folks higher on the food chain than himself!
It was that or perhaps his mangling of a Teutonic Dialect that did him in.
It was that or perhaps his mangling of a Teutonic Dialect that did him in.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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You got the "rotary" part right but...
the one whizzing around in ever-decreasing circles was fixed-wing, my little boxhead Experimental Test Pilot buddy there. May he cause a saltwater gecko a bad case of bellyache.
I had no problem as an aviator with associating with helo pilots even if I did find most of you sadly lacking in the proper degree of awe for we who worked the stratosphere instead of merely the skies.
You are probably right; all of this palaver in the Delta was just a plot to cheat me out of my ambition to be the man who shut the generator off for the last time. Well, over to you on that one!
I had no problem as an aviator with associating with helo pilots even if I did find most of you sadly lacking in the proper degree of awe for we who worked the stratosphere instead of merely the skies.
You are probably right; all of this palaver in the Delta was just a plot to cheat me out of my ambition to be the man who shut the generator off for the last time. Well, over to you on that one!
Nigerian In Law
Maybe, Maybe Not
Good job you didn't come back when they nearly rehired you mate, that would have been the shortest job in aviation history !!
Where is the generator shut off switch ??
NEO
Where is the generator shut off switch ??
NEO
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Neo...
Put your hand on your heart and tell us all that you do not have that very job marked out for yourself!
When the whole plot is about ready to roll over and sink, CNN showing the big, green CH-53s coming over the beach inbound to rescue the Septics, we shall probably see one red, white and blue 412 going the other way with a big yellow box slung underneath; you and your generator heading off to Fernando Po.
Come to that, maybe SASless plans to travel back at his own expense just to crawl up the facade at Fawlty Towers to steal that MRB with the Company name for his three-holer back home.
I just re-qualified on the Dornier 328. I stand ready to serve...
You know one of the nicest things about Algeria? No bl**dy helicopters! Well, there is one 206L but otherwise it is Plank Paradise here at DAUH.
When the whole plot is about ready to roll over and sink, CNN showing the big, green CH-53s coming over the beach inbound to rescue the Septics, we shall probably see one red, white and blue 412 going the other way with a big yellow box slung underneath; you and your generator heading off to Fernando Po.
Come to that, maybe SASless plans to travel back at his own expense just to crawl up the facade at Fawlty Towers to steal that MRB with the Company name for his three-holer back home.
I just re-qualified on the Dornier 328. I stand ready to serve...
You know one of the nicest things about Algeria? No bl**dy helicopters! Well, there is one 206L but otherwise it is Plank Paradise here at DAUH.
Chuks,
I am not the Trellis Climber.....however I do know where he can be found!
You do me an honour suggesting I have a "three holer"......alas, mine humble abode contains a paltry double (unless you count the knotted rope hanging from the dinghy davits!).
I am not the Trellis Climber.....however I do know where he can be found!
You do me an honour suggesting I have a "three holer"......alas, mine humble abode contains a paltry double (unless you count the knotted rope hanging from the dinghy davits!).
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Bristow Training Captains
I have heard a rumour here in the cold North East that an experienced Tiger guy who recently passed through here on a TRE course failed his Nigerian TRE check ride. I believe it was a fellow Bristow TC who failed him and not the NCAA examiner, stating apparently that he was not up to the standard of Bristow Nigeria let alone the NCAA.
WOW since I moved standards must have risen by meteoric proportions to say that thay are now higher than the JAA.
Knowing both personell involved, is there more to this than meets the eye, or is the rumour just that.
WOW since I moved standards must have risen by meteoric proportions to say that thay are now higher than the JAA.
Knowing both personell involved, is there more to this than meets the eye, or is the rumour just that.
Actual expertise has naught to do with getting a can tied to one's tail!
From the vague recesses of my alcohol ravaged brain....wispy images of Bristow TRE/IRE's having a funny stance and secret handshake known only to them (not like a group of folks that are on the square...), it would amaze most of us to hear someone actualllllllly...realllllllllly failed.
Having had the distinct pleasure to see a certain TRE/IRE crash a simulator after reminding the sim instructor how superior the Bristow standard was.....things must have changed.
No wait a minute.....he is still hanging on dispite his age and tenure....rumour was he was going to be retained until he died of really old age next week.
From the vague recesses of my alcohol ravaged brain....wispy images of Bristow TRE/IRE's having a funny stance and secret handshake known only to them (not like a group of folks that are on the square...), it would amaze most of us to hear someone actualllllllly...realllllllllly failed.
Having had the distinct pleasure to see a certain TRE/IRE crash a simulator after reminding the sim instructor how superior the Bristow standard was.....things must have changed.
No wait a minute.....he is still hanging on dispite his age and tenure....rumour was he was going to be retained until he died of really old age next week.
Nigerian In Law
New One On Me ?
VAN,
Haven't heard about that one and frankly it sounds a bit outlandish. Theoretically standards are no different, ie if you can cut the mustard in Aberdoodle then you can slice it in Nigeria and vice versa. There has been a real effort to pull collective socks up (excuse the pun) over the past year.
Unfortunately there are still some who were hired by e-mail with no interview or reference checks hanging on. But their time is fast approaching.
So unless there is a personal aspect between these guys (which I hadn't heard about until your post) I think it would be prudent to wait until it is confirmed by a Snake Island indigene.
Cheers,
NEO
Haven't heard about that one and frankly it sounds a bit outlandish. Theoretically standards are no different, ie if you can cut the mustard in Aberdoodle then you can slice it in Nigeria and vice versa. There has been a real effort to pull collective socks up (excuse the pun) over the past year.
Unfortunately there are still some who were hired by e-mail with no interview or reference checks hanging on. But their time is fast approaching.
So unless there is a personal aspect between these guys (which I hadn't heard about until your post) I think it would be prudent to wait until it is confirmed by a Snake Island indigene.
Cheers,
NEO
Last edited by Nigerian Expat Outlaw; 19th Feb 2008 at 07:11.
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Neo
If you have heard nothing then maybe it is just a rumour as I believe the person who may have been involved has been been known to share a sherbert or twelve with you in your youth. As the curator of the tree of knowledge you would know the facts.
He is no longer in Snake having moved last year I believe.
If you have heard nothing then maybe it is just a rumour as I believe the person who may have been involved has been been known to share a sherbert or twelve with you in your youth. As the curator of the tree of knowledge you would know the facts.
He is no longer in Snake having moved last year I believe.
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Neo Knows Nothing
VAL,
"I no nossing" may have been a good line by that Spanish chap in Faulty Towers. NEO is certainly much more "in the know" than he pretends to be. Probably just fishing, he is, good old NEO.
"I no nossing" may have been a good line by that Spanish chap in Faulty Towers. NEO is certainly much more "in the know" than he pretends to be. Probably just fishing, he is, good old NEO.