What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
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Tokunbo,
Thanks for confirming the rumour that was posted to my box. I have not shown my intention yet to work for aero. Maybe in the nearest future. Where else can they repair a ruptured fuel tank if not not in Vancouver? Maybe the manufacturer, Sikorsky will be flown to Port to do the repairs. Thank God Novotel Hotel is close to NAF base. The repair team can not stay in Areta anyway with the report of last audit did by CHC on staff comfort.
For now Sikorsky C+ is the only cheap and efficient machine that can cope with the long distance/payload for the drilliing operations going on in Nigeria now. So do not blame Pan African Airlines. Otherwise they will loose their valued contract to Aero or whosoever cares to bring in Sikorsky. Pan is fighting tooth and nail to get back the one Aero snatched from them when they had the last accident with the 412.
You might be right Toks, Wale's pressence in Aero is becoming too familiar. We are waiting to see the outcome. The last time i saw him, he was complaining of his separation benefits from Aero. Maybe Aero too is planning a waiting game! That is the only way to ground Caverton if they can take him back. I have not seen Caverton's 350 fly since her arrival into the country!
Anyone seen the Helicopter Service 350? Maybe back to the states after the Incident on the ramp? Aero is the only approved station in Nigeria as of now, Maybe in Aero facilities? I am waiting.
Toks, What was the outcome of the safety meeting of the Niger Delta operators meeting held in Aero premises during the week? You may pm me on this.
Thanks for confirming the rumour that was posted to my box. I have not shown my intention yet to work for aero. Maybe in the nearest future. Where else can they repair a ruptured fuel tank if not not in Vancouver? Maybe the manufacturer, Sikorsky will be flown to Port to do the repairs. Thank God Novotel Hotel is close to NAF base. The repair team can not stay in Areta anyway with the report of last audit did by CHC on staff comfort.
For now Sikorsky C+ is the only cheap and efficient machine that can cope with the long distance/payload for the drilliing operations going on in Nigeria now. So do not blame Pan African Airlines. Otherwise they will loose their valued contract to Aero or whosoever cares to bring in Sikorsky. Pan is fighting tooth and nail to get back the one Aero snatched from them when they had the last accident with the 412.
You might be right Toks, Wale's pressence in Aero is becoming too familiar. We are waiting to see the outcome. The last time i saw him, he was complaining of his separation benefits from Aero. Maybe Aero too is planning a waiting game! That is the only way to ground Caverton if they can take him back. I have not seen Caverton's 350 fly since her arrival into the country!
Anyone seen the Helicopter Service 350? Maybe back to the states after the Incident on the ramp? Aero is the only approved station in Nigeria as of now, Maybe in Aero facilities? I am waiting.
Toks, What was the outcome of the safety meeting of the Niger Delta operators meeting held in Aero premises during the week? You may pm me on this.
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ruma,
I think you'll find that the Helicopter Service AS350 is sitting in the Caverton hangar - 2 off them sitting there doing nothing. Caveton's new heliport is now lit like a pretty Christmas tree at night - wonder if they'll have anything fly in there before Christmas
I hear that one or two more Nigerian pilots may be defecting to them from Aero soon - more money and no flying. I also heard that they're sending their Dauphin back to Portugal soon - are they falling out with Heliportugal over this take-over that MM mentioned?
The new CHC man is now on seat in Port Harcourt, so it will be interesting to see if he's able to do anything to keep on the angry Nigerian pilots. One has already joined Pan African, with possibly another 2 or 3 on the verge of going there.
I haven't heard too many problems with the housing at Areta now - except it's in short supply. Some of the CHC directors stayed there when they came.
As for S76C+ - it looks as if all the operators are getting more. OLOG has got 35 on order anyway, so some will surely come to NIgeria, Pan African is getting at least one (it's OLOG anyway) and Aero are supposedly getting another one in next week.
What's the story behind Fred's resignation from Bristow as MD? Is he really going this time?
I think you'll find that the Helicopter Service AS350 is sitting in the Caverton hangar - 2 off them sitting there doing nothing. Caveton's new heliport is now lit like a pretty Christmas tree at night - wonder if they'll have anything fly in there before Christmas
I hear that one or two more Nigerian pilots may be defecting to them from Aero soon - more money and no flying. I also heard that they're sending their Dauphin back to Portugal soon - are they falling out with Heliportugal over this take-over that MM mentioned?The new CHC man is now on seat in Port Harcourt, so it will be interesting to see if he's able to do anything to keep on the angry Nigerian pilots. One has already joined Pan African, with possibly another 2 or 3 on the verge of going there.
I haven't heard too many problems with the housing at Areta now - except it's in short supply. Some of the CHC directors stayed there when they came.
As for S76C+ - it looks as if all the operators are getting more. OLOG has got 35 on order anyway, so some will surely come to NIgeria, Pan African is getting at least one (it's OLOG anyway) and Aero are supposedly getting another one in next week.
What's the story behind Fred's resignation from Bristow as MD? Is he really going this time?
Fred resigned?
Must be time to retire to Thailand.....and relax a bit. If so...good on him.
Must be time to retire to Thailand.....and relax a bit. If so...good on him.
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Let someone confirm to me please that a senior national pilot formerly in Eket has crossed over to Mobil oil? Who is taking over from him? also had the rumour that a national from same Bristow lagos based is now flying in Baltic sea on cross posting. That is what Aero should emulate to keep the Nationals from cross carpetting i will say.
Saw a yellow 350 flew over me on the third mainland bridge today too! It is like Caverton has finally landed on their V.I. Helipad! It was rumoured that the ministry of civil aviation has finally approved the helipad during the weekend. We are waiting.
Saw a yellow 350 flew over me on the third mainland bridge today too! It is like Caverton has finally landed on their V.I. Helipad! It was rumoured that the ministry of civil aviation has finally approved the helipad during the weekend. We are waiting.
What a novel concept....moving people (all the people) around the world for a change of scenery and improved experience. That just is not the done thing you know.
CEO and CFO sacked/resigned in New Iberia....shakeup in Lagos??? Something going on?
Nigerian In Law
ruma,
I heard that an IRE (ex Eket, Lagos of late), has crossed over to Mobil. I hear he is being replaced by an IRE from Eket. Don't know who/what is happening in the Baltic............ but if they are moving people around it can only be for the good.
Sas,
Any idea what is going on at OLOG/Air Log/Bristow ?
NEO
I heard that an IRE (ex Eket, Lagos of late), has crossed over to Mobil. I hear he is being replaced by an IRE from Eket. Don't know who/what is happening in the Baltic............ but if they are moving people around it can only be for the good.
Sas,
Any idea what is going on at OLOG/Air Log/Bristow ?
NEO
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Sounds like the recent audit of Bristow Lagos office by OLOG suits has resulted in some fallout. About time. Long over due for a shake up of management there. Now they need to retire Freds right hand man and the place may start to move forward!! Stay tuned for more exciting times.
4axis,
no guesses which fleet you are on then!
Best wishes to Oni in all the changes, anyway.
no guesses which fleet you are on then!
Best wishes to Oni in all the changes, anyway.
Oni will get to the top based upon merit alone....and long overdue too....all the OLOG managment has to do is shift another couple pieces of deadwood and there will be hope for the place.
Several very capable people out there....they just need an opportunity to perform....maybe there is a new broom in town?
I believe the saying is "an arms length transaction" is required.....to pass the smell test. The SEC must have gotten someone's attention in New Siberia a while back.
Several very capable people out there....they just need an opportunity to perform....maybe there is a new broom in town?
I believe the saying is "an arms length transaction" is required.....to pass the smell test. The SEC must have gotten someone's attention in New Siberia a while back.
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The rotorhead guys performed wonderfully well over the weekend during the search and rescue operation on the illfated Bellview flight enroute to Abuja on saturday night. With regrets and sorrow in my heart i am still asking where was NAMA helicopter when we needed her most. The Super Puma belonging to Bristow was among the chopper that went to Kishi, Presidential Helicopter too was not left out of the search, Aero helicopter with that of NNPC was seen around. Even Caverton helicopters the youngest of them all was seen with two of theirs. Thanks to the Nigerian Police. They had to lunch the Abuja based chopper to assist the one in Lagos. The Navy too was there to help. It is high time the operating companies in the country should ask NAMA to hand over the search and rescue Helicopter to the civil operatos where quick response will be paramount in time of distress like these. Considering the close proximity of the crash site to the LAG VOR, the fixed wing guys should have reported the strange smoke to the tower. Once more on behalf of concerned citizen of this great country i say well done. May the souls of the departed ones rest in peace.
When the Nigerian Air Force C-130 crashed years ago....it was a Bristow 212 that did the recovery work....as no Nigerian government aircraft were flyable. Sounds like things are improving a bit.
Any more rumours about reasons for the management changes at Bristow?
Paying dash to get aircraft spares into country is the latest rumour....but then is that not a way of life in Nigeria? Thanking helpful Customs and Excise bureaucrats for exceptional service and devotion to duty should hardly be called dash or improper payments.
Any more rumours about reasons for the management changes at Bristow?
Paying dash to get aircraft spares into country is the latest rumour....but then is that not a way of life in Nigeria? Thanking helpful Customs and Excise bureaucrats for exceptional service and devotion to duty should hardly be called dash or improper payments.
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Ok I have kinda lost track. What does Caverton really have in Nigeria. What to they really do?
An advert seen this morning:
Is this my chance to see west Africa?
Pilot
Pilot Position : All Types
Company : Caverton Helicopters
Job Location : Outside USA
Contact Person : Director of Operations
Phone : no phone calls
Fax : e-mail only
Email : [email protected]
Website : http://www.caverton-helicopters.com
Job Description:
Caverton Helicopters is a new, growing Nigerian company providing on-demand helicopter services for a variety of missions. We presently fly AS350, AS365 and A109. Current line pilot salary scale from $50K-$72K US with added compensation for additional duties. Housing and local subsistence allowance provided. Medical/Dental in country paid by the company. All visas and work permits paid by the company. Company paid training for license validation. We presently offer a 4 month/1 month rotation with company paid plane tickets to/from home. Captain positions available in each aircraft. We require 2000 hrs PIC. Minimum CPL with Instrument and current physical. Previous, verifiable experience required in one of the airframes we currently fly. Preference given for overseas, West Africa, EMS, offshore, training, check airman or safety experience. Please include availability and salary requirements in cover letter.
4 months on one month off! even for a young , non attached lad like my self that seems like a hella sched!!
Thoughts, advice, warnings?
RB
An advert seen this morning:
Is this my chance to see west Africa?
Pilot
Pilot Position : All Types
Company : Caverton Helicopters
Job Location : Outside USA
Contact Person : Director of Operations
Phone : no phone calls
Fax : e-mail only
Email : [email protected]
Website : http://www.caverton-helicopters.com
Job Description:
Caverton Helicopters is a new, growing Nigerian company providing on-demand helicopter services for a variety of missions. We presently fly AS350, AS365 and A109. Current line pilot salary scale from $50K-$72K US with added compensation for additional duties. Housing and local subsistence allowance provided. Medical/Dental in country paid by the company. All visas and work permits paid by the company. Company paid training for license validation. We presently offer a 4 month/1 month rotation with company paid plane tickets to/from home. Captain positions available in each aircraft. We require 2000 hrs PIC. Minimum CPL with Instrument and current physical. Previous, verifiable experience required in one of the airframes we currently fly. Preference given for overseas, West Africa, EMS, offshore, training, check airman or safety experience. Please include availability and salary requirements in cover letter.
4 months on one month off! even for a young , non attached lad like my self that seems like a hella sched!!
Thoughts, advice, warnings?
RB
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rotorboy,
Caverton is a Nigerian company with 3 helicopters. I think they have a couple of contracts for Nigerian government organisations (the Ports and Maritime Authorities). They've been talking about a shuttle operation from a heliport in Victoria Island, but even though they've landed there recently there's still no sign of any shuttle operation (maybe because they don't have enough pilots and they have the wrong helicopters for the job).
As far as I know Caverton only have 5 pilots at present to try and crew an A109E, 365N and an AS350B. They have no training staff and no likelihood of getting an offshore contract with the the helicopters they have. They're starting to get desperate for crews and so far they've even managed only to recruit one Nigerian pilot, (that maybe tells you something, when even Nigerians don't want to work for a Nigerian company). That's another thing - they're a wholly Nigerian company so your contract of employment mat not mean a whole lot as it's governed by Nigerian law. If you have any dispute with them you've lost. Added to that I hear they're not so good at paying salaries on time - a typical thing with Nigerian employers. You'll live in nice looking housing but you see the Caverton guys out doing shopping around the supermarkets in Ikeja, so looks as if you have to do all your own shopping and cooking. I also hear tell that they often have no fuel for the generator - an essential in Nigeria, where the state electricity corporation NEPA, to all Nigerians means Never Electrical Power Always.
Advice - go for soemthing with one of the big boys - OLOG/Bristow/Pan African or CHC/Aero. The monthly salary may not look so good, but they're both short of pilots so with a few weeks workovers you can easily make more than you'd get while working 4 months on at a time with Caverton. With that schedule, makes you think their whole advert must be some kind of joke. They need to get real with what the other employers in Nigeria are paying in the 21st century. Also, both Bristow and Aero are re-equipping with a lot of new helicopters. Both are bringing inlots of S76C+, Bristow are getting new 412EPs, and both are also rumored to be getting AB139s and AS332L1s next year - and you're more likely to get paid on time. I'd think very long and hard before considering a company like Caverton unless you're desperate. If you have the hours requirements for them, you almost certainly have them for the other two and you then have the opportunity in the future to visit other countries that OLOG and CHC fly from in Africa, and globally.
Caverton is a Nigerian company with 3 helicopters. I think they have a couple of contracts for Nigerian government organisations (the Ports and Maritime Authorities). They've been talking about a shuttle operation from a heliport in Victoria Island, but even though they've landed there recently there's still no sign of any shuttle operation (maybe because they don't have enough pilots and they have the wrong helicopters for the job).
As far as I know Caverton only have 5 pilots at present to try and crew an A109E, 365N and an AS350B. They have no training staff and no likelihood of getting an offshore contract with the the helicopters they have. They're starting to get desperate for crews and so far they've even managed only to recruit one Nigerian pilot, (that maybe tells you something, when even Nigerians don't want to work for a Nigerian company). That's another thing - they're a wholly Nigerian company so your contract of employment mat not mean a whole lot as it's governed by Nigerian law. If you have any dispute with them you've lost. Added to that I hear they're not so good at paying salaries on time - a typical thing with Nigerian employers. You'll live in nice looking housing but you see the Caverton guys out doing shopping around the supermarkets in Ikeja, so looks as if you have to do all your own shopping and cooking. I also hear tell that they often have no fuel for the generator - an essential in Nigeria, where the state electricity corporation NEPA, to all Nigerians means Never Electrical Power Always.
Advice - go for soemthing with one of the big boys - OLOG/Bristow/Pan African or CHC/Aero. The monthly salary may not look so good, but they're both short of pilots so with a few weeks workovers you can easily make more than you'd get while working 4 months on at a time with Caverton. With that schedule, makes you think their whole advert must be some kind of joke. They need to get real with what the other employers in Nigeria are paying in the 21st century. Also, both Bristow and Aero are re-equipping with a lot of new helicopters. Both are bringing inlots of S76C+, Bristow are getting new 412EPs, and both are also rumored to be getting AB139s and AS332L1s next year - and you're more likely to get paid on time. I'd think very long and hard before considering a company like Caverton unless you're desperate. If you have the hours requirements for them, you almost certainly have them for the other two and you then have the opportunity in the future to visit other countries that OLOG and CHC fly from in Africa, and globally.
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Tokunbo,
It is glaring that you are anti Caverton helicopters! Allow this young company to grow! Aero Contractors started like this years ago! i remembered when she was in Escravos and the passengers refused to enter their 'noisy' Alloette III. But for the fact that they have nationals in their pay roll the oil guys were forced to fly with aero. Out of the three helicopters they had in Escravos then, they lost two during the three years period! Heaven did not fall. About promt payment, I wonder where you were last friday the fixed wing guys here in Aero were yet to be paid. This forum should not be used to discredit any airlines please. It is not a forum of wash our dirty linen in the public. Allow Caverton to grow so the OLOG and HELI ONE can seat up to their expectations. They are not performing now as far as the nationals are concern. Is it not in Aero that an FO (expart?) is earning more than a than a national Captain? Any comment?
It is glaring that you are anti Caverton helicopters! Allow this young company to grow! Aero Contractors started like this years ago! i remembered when she was in Escravos and the passengers refused to enter their 'noisy' Alloette III. But for the fact that they have nationals in their pay roll the oil guys were forced to fly with aero. Out of the three helicopters they had in Escravos then, they lost two during the three years period! Heaven did not fall. About promt payment, I wonder where you were last friday the fixed wing guys here in Aero were yet to be paid. This forum should not be used to discredit any airlines please. It is not a forum of wash our dirty linen in the public. Allow Caverton to grow so the OLOG and HELI ONE can seat up to their expectations. They are not performing now as far as the nationals are concern. Is it not in Aero that an FO (expart?) is earning more than a than a national Captain? Any comment?
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ruma,
The only thing that's glaring, apart from your spelling and grammar, is that you are a disgruntled aero or ex-aero employee.
rotorboy asked for thoughts, advice and warnings, so that's what I gave him. Starting work for any new operator is a gamble as many go down the tubes, but here in Nigeria it's even more of a gamble. Additionally, rotorbay seems to be an expatriate, so working on a Nigerian contract means he's got no real chance of a legal come-back if he has a problem. Lastly, why should he have to work 4 months on, 1 month off when he can get a far better deal with other operators.
Not trying to discredit Caverton. Good luck to them, but they need to have a reality check if they seriously want anybody to work for them when others are being offered a better deal in terms of time off. If Caverton are performing as far as nationals are concerned, why aren't more joining them?
(Later edit). On reflection, more national pilots will probably join Caverton from Aero now that they are not offering a 7/5 deal. They may not actually get any more time off, but they will have made a point. It's actually more likely, though, that Aero will lose national pilots to Pan African, where they get equal time and a reasonable salary.
I wasn't really getting at your spelling - PPRuNe is more about what you mean than how you say it
The only thing that's glaring, apart from your spelling and grammar, is that you are a disgruntled aero or ex-aero employee.
rotorboy asked for thoughts, advice and warnings, so that's what I gave him. Starting work for any new operator is a gamble as many go down the tubes, but here in Nigeria it's even more of a gamble. Additionally, rotorbay seems to be an expatriate, so working on a Nigerian contract means he's got no real chance of a legal come-back if he has a problem. Lastly, why should he have to work 4 months on, 1 month off when he can get a far better deal with other operators.
Not trying to discredit Caverton. Good luck to them, but they need to have a reality check if they seriously want anybody to work for them when others are being offered a better deal in terms of time off. If Caverton are performing as far as nationals are concerned, why aren't more joining them?
(Later edit). On reflection, more national pilots will probably join Caverton from Aero now that they are not offering a 7/5 deal. They may not actually get any more time off, but they will have made a point. It's actually more likely, though, that Aero will lose national pilots to Pan African, where they get equal time and a reasonable salary.
I wasn't really getting at your spelling - PPRuNe is more about what you mean than how you say it
Last edited by Tokunbo; 31st Oct 2005 at 11:30.
Nigerian In Law
Tokunbo/ruma,
Not pro or anti anyone, but there does appear to have been a high turnover of pilots at Caverton since it started up. I heard that many of the departed have gone with varying amounts of owed money outstanding. Not a good start and certainly no way to gain a good reputation in such a small world where everyone talks to each other, not just on this forum.
Sasless,
What's the story at Bristow ? I hear all sorts of changes upcoming, apart from Fred's departure and some others at Deadhill.
Any ideas ?
Cheers,
NEO
Not pro or anti anyone, but there does appear to have been a high turnover of pilots at Caverton since it started up. I heard that many of the departed have gone with varying amounts of owed money outstanding. Not a good start and certainly no way to gain a good reputation in such a small world where everyone talks to each other, not just on this forum.
Sasless,
What's the story at Bristow ? I hear all sorts of changes upcoming, apart from Fred's departure and some others at Deadhill.
Any ideas ?
Cheers,
NEO