What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
I agree with your comments about simulators being very limited for any offshore training by day or by night, but again, if enough $$$$ were thrown at that problem, in the 21st century it shouldn't be insoluble. Aero has a very good little simulator in PH now (albeit with no movement) but the visuals for rig approaches are far superior to most of the expensive level D full-motion simulators on the market, so it should be possible to upgrade a level D.
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malabo,
Aero has a Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer in Port Harcourt which I believe is proving of great value in training for procedural instrument flying. I've seen the visuals on it and they are very clear. It is a generic helicopter, but nevertheless useful for instrument procedure training (which is, after all, what it says it is). The higher level of certification on a Class D simulator is because it has full motion and is type-specific. Most level D simulators have collimated visual displays and some are better than others at simulating a true visual experience. Because they often incorporate a fairly true representation of a particular airport or locale, they require large amounts of computing power.
PW and MP,
It's sometimes easy to overlook the fact that newer and/or larger helicopters are being introduced into Nigeria all the time. Aero introduced the AW139 2 years ago and is now operating 3 of them and it has just brought in 2 brand new EC225s which will soon be operating for TFE. Bristow/Pan African is operating 9 Bell 412 EPs for XOM and CNL which are less than 3 years old (I think) as well as a large number of Bell 407s for CNL. CNL is continuing its fleet modernisation here and now has 3 S76C++ on contract and will shortly have an S92, all operated by Bristow, with another S92 following about a year later if what cyclic forecasts happens. True, both Bristow and Aero have a few older helicopters, but they are being phased out. I hear that even the venerable SKY may soon be gone (but I'll believe it when it happens).
tistisnot,
You're quite right, it's amazing that in this day and age an operator in UK was (is?) not using simulators with the huge training benefit they have for so many aspects of flying. They're not perfect, but they are an excellent tool for procedural instrument training and checking, LOFT, CRM and the safe conduct of emergencies which cannot be replicated in the real aircraft. I think I'm right in saying that both Bristow and Aero now send all of their pilots for simulator training on the Bell 407, SA365, EC155, SK76, Bell 412, AW139, AS332 and S92. All S92 training will be done on the simulator. The new EC225 simulator will shortly be certified as well. This is one area where Nigeria is certainly not lagging behind Europe.
Aero has a Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer in Port Harcourt which I believe is proving of great value in training for procedural instrument flying. I've seen the visuals on it and they are very clear. It is a generic helicopter, but nevertheless useful for instrument procedure training (which is, after all, what it says it is). The higher level of certification on a Class D simulator is because it has full motion and is type-specific. Most level D simulators have collimated visual displays and some are better than others at simulating a true visual experience. Because they often incorporate a fairly true representation of a particular airport or locale, they require large amounts of computing power.
PW and MP,
It's sometimes easy to overlook the fact that newer and/or larger helicopters are being introduced into Nigeria all the time. Aero introduced the AW139 2 years ago and is now operating 3 of them and it has just brought in 2 brand new EC225s which will soon be operating for TFE. Bristow/Pan African is operating 9 Bell 412 EPs for XOM and CNL which are less than 3 years old (I think) as well as a large number of Bell 407s for CNL. CNL is continuing its fleet modernisation here and now has 3 S76C++ on contract and will shortly have an S92, all operated by Bristow, with another S92 following about a year later if what cyclic forecasts happens. True, both Bristow and Aero have a few older helicopters, but they are being phased out. I hear that even the venerable SKY may soon be gone (but I'll believe it when it happens).
tistisnot,
You're quite right, it's amazing that in this day and age an operator in UK was (is?) not using simulators with the huge training benefit they have for so many aspects of flying. They're not perfect, but they are an excellent tool for procedural instrument training and checking, LOFT, CRM and the safe conduct of emergencies which cannot be replicated in the real aircraft. I think I'm right in saying that both Bristow and Aero now send all of their pilots for simulator training on the Bell 407, SA365, EC155, SK76, Bell 412, AW139, AS332 and S92. All S92 training will be done on the simulator. The new EC225 simulator will shortly be certified as well. This is one area where Nigeria is certainly not lagging behind Europe.
Last edited by soggyboxers; 20th Oct 2008 at 06:19.
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Be Happy, Don't Worry!
Wow, you go away for a few weeks, get back and catch up on Prune and it's all doom and gloom! Or so you'd think, but then I see two shiny new EC225s in that smart, original Aero/Schreiner livery and read that Bristow will soon have their shiny new S92 here. When's that due to arrive and where will it be based? Are the EC225s going to be staying in Lagos?
There hasn't been much of a fanfare, but obviously Bristow have got the Agbami contract for Chevron and that's what the S92 and the new C++s are for. How long is it for?
Who are the lucky guys (and presumably gals) getting to fly these big, new toys? I suppose soon we'll be getting complaints that the air conditioners are causing the cockpit windows to fog up
There hasn't been much of a fanfare, but obviously Bristow have got the Agbami contract for Chevron and that's what the S92 and the new C++s are for. How long is it for?
Who are the lucky guys (and presumably gals) getting to fly these big, new toys? I suppose soon we'll be getting complaints that the air conditioners are causing the cockpit windows to fog up
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so much for those damn standards
While Bristow is still debating the SAR thing and what not we have 3 412s sitting on the ramp here with a hoist and the whole nine yards ready to go...guess where?
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Helicopters Need Help
This is a link to something on the thread about the fatal accident in Morecambe Bay, with a night-experienced crew but whose company did not use simulators. It seems relevant to the discussion on night standby and the use of helicopters at night in Nigeria. We always have something to learn. In view of previous posts and what has been posted on the thread about the Morecambe fatal accident, do you think we still have lessons to learn, and should we be thinking of changing or modifying our present night practices in Nigeria?
Helicopters Need Help
Helicopters Need Help
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Lessons to learn??????
1. As long as skill and capability are secondary considerations when deciding if someone is capable of doing the job, then people will get killed and machinery destroyed.
2. Helicopters operate in a dynamic environment that is difficult (if not impossible) to script and/or simulate.
3. Just because you were up to the job last year does NOT mean you are up to it this year.
4. Lack of integrity in this business can kill not just you, but your 'mates' as well.
5. There will always be someone in the system who will push profit over safety.
6. Dealing with the man in #5 keeps the rest of us honest.
7. We can't change Africa (or human nature) but we can honestly learn about it and deal with it.
8. Africa is no worse than the rest of the world would be with the slightest relaxation of diligence.
9. The moral high ground is a lonely place, with no cover or protection from the predators.
10. Someone who constantly makes unrealistic demands will then have his realistic requests ignored outright.
11. Someone who regularly makes realistic requests will then have his unrealistic demands considered.
and last but not least by a long shot......
12. I owe it to my wife and kids to come home alive at the end of the tour, with or without a job to go back to.
1. As long as skill and capability are secondary considerations when deciding if someone is capable of doing the job, then people will get killed and machinery destroyed.
2. Helicopters operate in a dynamic environment that is difficult (if not impossible) to script and/or simulate.
3. Just because you were up to the job last year does NOT mean you are up to it this year.
4. Lack of integrity in this business can kill not just you, but your 'mates' as well.
5. There will always be someone in the system who will push profit over safety.
6. Dealing with the man in #5 keeps the rest of us honest.
7. We can't change Africa (or human nature) but we can honestly learn about it and deal with it.
8. Africa is no worse than the rest of the world would be with the slightest relaxation of diligence.
9. The moral high ground is a lonely place, with no cover or protection from the predators.
10. Someone who constantly makes unrealistic demands will then have his realistic requests ignored outright.
11. Someone who regularly makes realistic requests will then have his unrealistic demands considered.
and last but not least by a long shot......
12. I owe it to my wife and kids to come home alive at the end of the tour, with or without a job to go back to.
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Mike (A$$lick) Himmler is now on tour and has taken his bag carrier the well known Irish joke O'Yellykey with him. Obviously the coffee money has now reached a level where he can afford to pay for a helicopter to take him around 
. Never mind he's got his muscle bound personal bodyguard with him in case any of his devoted employees decide to express their joy at seeing him, in a robust fashion with Russian bear-hugs or friendly sumo slaps . I wonder if he'll get the dreaded 'Darrels Belly' or is he staying in the more secure MGH, well away from his employees?
. Never mind he's got his muscle bound personal bodyguard with him in case any of his devoted employees decide to express their joy at seeing him, in a robust fashion with Russian bear-hugs or friendly sumo slaps . I wonder if he'll get the dreaded 'Darrels Belly' or is he staying in the more secure MGH, well away from his employees?
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Aero's EC225's Visit NAF Port Harcourt
I saw the aero EC225s at NAF today. I suppose they were doing route proving training. They looked really pretty in the original Aero colour scheme and really chunky and powerful. I'll never get to fly one now 
, but have to same I'm really envious of those who do. I've always been a fan of Eurocopter helicopters because they're really nice pilots' machines and based on great simplicity of design. Their customer support may not be the best, but I really do like their products and the Dauphin and Squirrel rank amongst my favourite machines 
, but have to same I'm really envious of those who do. I've always been a fan of Eurocopter helicopters because they're really nice pilots' machines and based on great simplicity of design. Their customer support may not be the best, but I really do like their products and the Dauphin and Squirrel rank amongst my favourite machines
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Cyclicoyibo
In the past there have been far too many night calls for aircraft for trivial reasons. I do see that since the tradgedy of BDZ there has been a change in the attitude of the oil companies and they would reject any call from offshore that was not of a serious nature. Not always going to be the case of course but we can only hope!
This may sort out the problems experienced in the past!
Trog
Nigerian In Law
CYA.........
Trog,
It has been the case that all involved in a night call out have to justify it to the authorities (SSS and NCAA) the next day for quite some time.
I interpret "all" to mean the initiator (probably the client rep who requested the flight), the authoriser (normally Chief Pilot) and the crew. But that's just my humble take on it.
Bristow have had an Ops Circular laying down the criteria for night training and MEDEVACs for a couple of years. It is very clear on the probable consquences of carrying out a flight which is subsequently found to be non "Purpose of saving life".
NEO
It has been the case that all involved in a night call out have to justify it to the authorities (SSS and NCAA) the next day for quite some time.
I interpret "all" to mean the initiator (probably the client rep who requested the flight), the authoriser (normally Chief Pilot) and the crew. But that's just my humble take on it.
Bristow have had an Ops Circular laying down the criteria for night training and MEDEVACs for a couple of years. It is very clear on the probable consquences of carrying out a flight which is subsequently found to be non "Purpose of saving life".
NEO
Last edited by Nigerian Expat Outlaw; 25th Oct 2008 at 04:42. Reason: Spelling
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BRAIN
In a startling new development Mike (Himmler) A$$lich was last night taken by militants from a new break-away militant group, BRAIN (Bristow Against Imlach in Nigeria), along with his 'enforcer' Foamy 'Kill-em' Coolings . The elite terror hit group carried out a 'swarm' attack in a formation of armored Humvees. However, things are not all going the militant's way. On arrival at their top-secret hideaway behind the 'Green Crocodile' A$$lick immediately brought out his PDA and explained how they had used unnecessary and unaccountable force and that he should actually have been taken by only three people in a 504, which would have saved them N23,462. Had they carried out a proper cost-benefit analysis on this attack and set realistic KPIs they could make 16 militants redundant and sell 2 of the Humvees at an amortised profit of N3,462,846. The only other way they could have got even close to this was to charge N142 per portion for yam chips at all militant training camps and introduce a charge for coffee, a measure he, himself, had found most beneficial. He also mentioned that according to international law, the Geneva Convention and the UN laws on the enforcement of human rights, any ransom demand should be reduced by N5375.68 per day for the illegal use of his car, 11.6 kobo for his driver (who he would anyway immediately make redundant to cut costs) and $1427.68 per day, plus expenses for his own professional advice. The BRAIN militants immediately countered with a top-secret ransom note to Oppo Dire Yellow Key for N38 million for the safe return of A$$lick and 38.76 Kobo for Coolings. Negotiations continued with a counter-proposal from NUAZI, who said that in a straw-poll of their members they were willing to pay N864, two cows, three goats, a case of Star and 2 bottles of aromatic Seamen Schnapps if BRAIN would keep A$$lick and 253.67 kobo for Coolings. Last news is that negotiators feel that the figures are actually fairly reasonable, but they would be willing to add a biography of Olusegun Obasanjo, a signed photograph of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in a gilt frame, $153.59 in a secret numbered Swiss Bank account (number 89561341213) with Credit Suisse Zurich branch, Paradeplatz 8, 8001 Zürich and 5 jars of coffees from the Nescafe Suraya collection, provided the militants were perpared to hold him until his contract renewal next year. In addition, expatriate members of staff unanimously agreed that they would contribute a framed gilt plaque with his name mis-spelt and his dates of service incorrectly entered, as fuel for a 'captive weekend' barbecue for their beleaguered boss. Things seem to be at a stalemate, but a spokesman for the JTF Col. Agbade Onyaechmugulogonuwekpemeasan said that he was confident that with the aid of minimum force (because the military are not engaged in a war against Bristow) everything would be resolved within the next 10 years and Mr Armlich would enjoy all the benefits of preserved salary and pension he would accrue from his delightful stay with all the friends he has made during his many years in Nigeria with Haker Bews and Bristow.
. The elite terror hit group carried out a 'swarm' attack in a formation of armored Humvees. However, things are not all going the militant's way. On arrival at their top-secret hideaway behind the 'Green Crocodile' A$$lick immediately brought out his PDA and explained how they had used unnecessary and unaccountable force and that he should actually have been taken by only three people in a 504, which would have saved them N23,462. Had they carried out a proper cost-benefit analysis on this attack and set realistic KPIs they could make 16 militants redundant and sell 2 of the Humvees at an amortised profit of N3,462,846. The only other way they could have got even close to this was to charge N142 per portion for yam chips at all militant training camps and introduce a charge for coffee, a measure he, himself, had found most beneficial. He also mentioned that according to international law, the Geneva Convention and the UN laws on the enforcement of human rights, any ransom demand should be reduced by N5375.68 per day for the illegal use of his car, 11.6 kobo for his driver (who he would anyway immediately make redundant to cut costs) and $1427.68 per day, plus expenses for his own professional advice. The BRAIN militants immediately countered with a top-secret ransom note to Oppo Dire Yellow Key for N38 million for the safe return of A$$lick and 38.76 Kobo for Coolings. Negotiations continued with a counter-proposal from NUAZI, who said that in a straw-poll of their members they were willing to pay N864, two cows, three goats, a case of Star and 2 bottles of aromatic Seamen Schnapps if BRAIN would keep A$$lick and 253.67 kobo for Coolings. Last news is that negotiators feel that the figures are actually fairly reasonable, but they would be willing to add a biography of Olusegun Obasanjo, a signed photograph of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in a gilt frame, $153.59 in a secret numbered Swiss Bank account (number 89561341213) with Credit Suisse Zurich branch, Paradeplatz 8, 8001 Zürich and 5 jars of coffees from the Nescafe Suraya collection, provided the militants were perpared to hold him until his contract renewal next year. In addition, expatriate members of staff unanimously agreed that they would contribute a framed gilt plaque with his name mis-spelt and his dates of service incorrectly entered, as fuel for a 'captive weekend' barbecue for their beleaguered boss. Things seem to be at a stalemate, but a spokesman for the JTF Col. Agbade Onyaechmugulogonuwekpemeasan said that he was confident that with the aid of minimum force (because the military are not engaged in a war against Bristow) everything would be resolved within the next 10 years and Mr Armlich would enjoy all the benefits of preserved salary and pension he would accrue from his delightful stay with all the friends he has made during his many years in Nigeria with Haker Bews and Bristow.
BRAIN
Me thinks it was an ill thought out plan from the git go....Senior Bristow management who eat their young....will see this as a way of trimming staff pay as they will declare the absence to be un-approved as it was not requested and approved in advance thus relieving them of that burden.
Also....in time the hostage takers will really get to know the "victims" and will begin to offer payment to anyone who will take over the care and feeding of the kidnapped. I dare say the only potential market might be senior staff positions with Air Methods in Englewood, Colorado or the US Veterans Administration.
One should always be careful in wishing.....you might just get what you are wishing for.
Also....in time the hostage takers will really get to know the "victims" and will begin to offer payment to anyone who will take over the care and feeding of the kidnapped. I dare say the only potential market might be senior staff positions with Air Methods in Englewood, Colorado or the US Veterans Administration.
One should always be careful in wishing.....you might just get what you are wishing for.
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Easy catch Burnout
Alouette!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the circular NEO - it hadn't reached the jungles of WT!
Trog
Thanks for the circular NEO - it hadn't reached the jungles of WT!
Trog
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I left Nigeria (ACN) in December/97...
I can't believe how the hi-tech has developed there...
I believe I know some of you guys as many still flying Aero since that time.
I retired 2006 and unfortunnatelly, for those who were friends of Ottoni da Silva, I sadly say that he died about 2 or 3 months ago, of a heart-attack.
Today is my 1st post here, but now I've found this site, I'll keep reading.
Happy landings Captains...
I can't believe how the hi-tech has developed there...
I believe I know some of you guys as many still flying Aero since that time.
I retired 2006 and unfortunnatelly, for those who were friends of Ottoni da Silva, I sadly say that he died about 2 or 3 months ago, of a heart-attack.
Today is my 1st post here, but now I've found this site, I'll keep reading.
Happy landings Captains...
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You dey talk lie O!
In addition, expatriate members of staff unanimously agreed that they would contribute a framed gilt plaque with his name mis-spelt and his dates of service incorrectly entered, as fuel for a 'captive weekend' barbecue for their beleaguered boss.
Alouette - my Scotch Boss and I are as safe as horses - no listen to the Big Boy. He is just throwing in the dead herrings. My Scotch Boss is safe back in his village after his triumphant tour visiting the mechanical mens and drivers the length and depth of our fine Country.
He will only visit the Angola when he is good and ruddy to take over your operations from the Chevron Managers following meaningful discussions with Master Loo!
Every thing is cool and cocoa in the Centre of Excellents with the inks drying on the new contracts and now we are waiting like expecting Fathers for our big Sikorsky Baby to arrive soon soon.
F.C.
Nigerian In Law
CapBar,
Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about Ottoni, he was a good guy. I'll pass the word here in PH if I can find a pilot who doesn't read Pprune.
NEO
Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about Ottoni, he was a good guy. I'll pass the word here in PH if I can find a pilot who doesn't read Pprune.
NEO
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Baby shower
Foamy, how is it that you are the fathers for the Sikorsky Baby, imagine the kind of pains the mother would go through birthing a baby of that size, well we are all waiting for the baby shower and will be there with or without your invite.
Just completed my PPL(H), I am wondering if there is any chance one can get employed with this in Nigeria, I read on one thread that it was possible, but then again this is a Rumour network.
Just completed my PPL(H), I am wondering if there is any chance one can get employed with this in Nigeria, I read on one thread that it was possible, but then again this is a Rumour network.