What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
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Bristow To Increase Local Content By 2015
Friday, 04 February 2011 06:13 ime akpan
The management of Bristow Helicopters has said that it is not planning to lay off the expatriates in its employ, saying it would instead replace a number of them by 2015 in compliance with the federal government’s local content policy.
A statement issued in Lagos yesterday and signed by Cornelius Onuoha of Red Gecko Consultants, reads: “In response to questions, the managing director of Bristow Helicopters, Capt. Akin Oni had informed the gathering that Bristow hopes to replace a number of its expatriates with Nigerians by 2015 in line with the company’s localisation objectives. A replacement you will agree with me, is totally different from “Laying-off” which could be interpreted to mean “sacking.”
“We will appreciate you help to put the records right as Bristow does not have any plan of laying-off expatriates, but rather, plans to replace expatriates in Bristow Nigeria, with trained Nigerian experts.
Friday, 04 February 2011 06:13 ime akpan
The management of Bristow Helicopters has said that it is not planning to lay off the expatriates in its employ, saying it would instead replace a number of them by 2015 in compliance with the federal government’s local content policy.
A statement issued in Lagos yesterday and signed by Cornelius Onuoha of Red Gecko Consultants, reads: “In response to questions, the managing director of Bristow Helicopters, Capt. Akin Oni had informed the gathering that Bristow hopes to replace a number of its expatriates with Nigerians by 2015 in line with the company’s localisation objectives. A replacement you will agree with me, is totally different from “Laying-off” which could be interpreted to mean “sacking.”
“We will appreciate you help to put the records right as Bristow does not have any plan of laying-off expatriates, but rather, plans to replace expatriates in Bristow Nigeria, with trained Nigerian experts.
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Bird strike of consequence
Must have been one hell of a bird for $1M damage.
Mind, years ago at Wilson, Nairobi, I saw what was left of a Beech Baron that hit a secretary bird (sort of vulture) on landing. No injuries but hit the fin and twisted the airframe. Was a total loss.
The locals were ever so pleased with all the raw material from which to make bracelets etc to sell to the tourists - so 'it's an ill wind..............' 
_ VFR
Mind, years ago at Wilson, Nairobi, I saw what was left of a Beech Baron that hit a secretary bird (sort of vulture) on landing. No injuries but hit the fin and twisted the airframe. Was a total loss. The locals were ever so pleased with all the raw material from which to make bracelets etc to sell to the tourists - so 'it's an ill wind..............' _ VFR
"Target Zero" in Nigeria?
You are having me on aren't you?
Did the Nigerian Space Administration attend?
Actually it is not Bristow I am thinking of when I think of the excellency in aviation I recall from my days in Nigeria. The NCAA alone would be an anchor on that ride! Thinking I first saw Lagos in 1972 when the now old airport was the only airport....and the officials really provided an open handed welcome!
You are having me on aren't you?
Did the Nigerian Space Administration attend?
Actually it is not Bristow I am thinking of when I think of the excellency in aviation I recall from my days in Nigeria. The NCAA alone would be an anchor on that ride! Thinking I first saw Lagos in 1972 when the now old airport was the only airport....and the officials really provided an open handed welcome!
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Hi Sasless
The 'Ol Airport' the one you and I know when arriving in the seventies blew up/burnt down in 2000, a day before a financial audit was about to take place, remember driving past it the following morning and thought 'funny something missing here!' no domestic airport! dun gone!!
S
The 'Ol Airport' the one you and I know when arriving in the seventies blew up/burnt down in 2000, a day before a financial audit was about to take place, remember driving past it the following morning and thought 'funny something missing here!' no domestic airport! dun gone!!
S
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Old Airport Terminal
O the joys of arriving at Lagos(care of BCAL) and spending 4 hours in a heaving sweating mass of bodies, it didnt get much better with the new Terminal(well for about 3 months).
Thinking back on time spent in Nigeria.....did ACN, Mobil, Pan African, or Texaco ever have a helicopter crew hijacked and held hostage? My recollection is only Bristow Shell Crews got nabbed.
Bristow Texaco had An aircraft taken in 1999 - between the 19 day PH crew and that German chap. A week in Fishtown I seem to recall. ACN had a crew held a knifepoint...........while flying! I think it was resolved the same day.
Bob Holly gave a fellow an interesting ride out to the Funiwa as I recall now. Wuz trying to sort out some fuzzy memories this morning over my Tea.
Bristow/Texaco crew kidnapping
Yes there was.
A Bell212 (5N-ALS I believe) crew flying for Texaco/Warri was kidnapped off the Middleton Platform and held hostage in a local village.
Prior to landing the crew spoke to the Radio Operator (who controlled the area) on the Funiwa (Texaco Production Platform) about the fishing boats near the platform. They were told that they were all very friendly. After landing they were overrun & kidnapped.
The crew, a gentleman from the UK living in France & a Local First Officer (one of his first flights at Texaco) were held in the village for several weeks.
During their stay the Nigerian Military attempted to release them but were overwelmed by the kidnappers and chased almost naked out of the village. The kidnappers worn the military uniforms and used their weapons after this failed attempt.
The kidnappers allowed us to fly fresh water & some food to them every day or so but we were carefully watched as they held their newly acquired weapons!
We flew the local Governor and aids to the village to effect their release.
After several weeks the crew was taken by boat to the capital & released.
Weeks later they allowed us to pick up the aircraft. It was tied down with a rope to a wooden stake. The 212 started up immediately with no problems what so ever. Good old machine!
During the same period two Shell 212's & crew's were kidnapped and held hostage for several weeks also.
One, on the Shell Swamp Queen (swamp rig) with another gentleman from the UK and a local, both Captains. I'am sure one of our readers remembers this well!
The other was at the Shell Flow Station Opuama. This time the crew was a German gentleman and a local (both Captains). One day the kidnappers left them alone for several hours. The crew used the Flow Station telephone to call back to Shell Warri to send a helicopter immediately to rescue them. The person on the line told the crew since it was Sunday he could not distrub his superior (he was playing golf) and would relay the message on Monday and hung up!
Therefore the crew stayed longer than they should have.
Sometimes we wondered what was happening and who was in charge!
The Bristow/Texaco AS355 was on an authorized visit to a local village which started to turn sour. The Captain (a long time in Nigeria American) decided it best to leave immediately. On his arrivial at the Funiwa he noticed how all were waving at him during his approach.
Just at touchdown he saw a village boy run past him toward the stairs. The HLO told him afterwards that the village boy was hanging on the skids. It seems he wanted to prevent the helicopter from taking off, so he held on to it! The flight was about 10-15 minutes at 100 knots!
There was always action, never a dull moment!
A Bell212 (5N-ALS I believe) crew flying for Texaco/Warri was kidnapped off the Middleton Platform and held hostage in a local village.
Prior to landing the crew spoke to the Radio Operator (who controlled the area) on the Funiwa (Texaco Production Platform) about the fishing boats near the platform. They were told that they were all very friendly. After landing they were overrun & kidnapped.
The crew, a gentleman from the UK living in France & a Local First Officer (one of his first flights at Texaco) were held in the village for several weeks.
During their stay the Nigerian Military attempted to release them but were overwelmed by the kidnappers and chased almost naked out of the village. The kidnappers worn the military uniforms and used their weapons after this failed attempt.
The kidnappers allowed us to fly fresh water & some food to them every day or so but we were carefully watched as they held their newly acquired weapons!
We flew the local Governor and aids to the village to effect their release.
After several weeks the crew was taken by boat to the capital & released.
Weeks later they allowed us to pick up the aircraft. It was tied down with a rope to a wooden stake. The 212 started up immediately with no problems what so ever. Good old machine!
During the same period two Shell 212's & crew's were kidnapped and held hostage for several weeks also.
One, on the Shell Swamp Queen (swamp rig) with another gentleman from the UK and a local, both Captains. I'am sure one of our readers remembers this well!
The other was at the Shell Flow Station Opuama. This time the crew was a German gentleman and a local (both Captains). One day the kidnappers left them alone for several hours. The crew used the Flow Station telephone to call back to Shell Warri to send a helicopter immediately to rescue them. The person on the line told the crew since it was Sunday he could not distrub his superior (he was playing golf) and would relay the message on Monday and hung up!
Therefore the crew stayed longer than they should have.
Sometimes we wondered what was happening and who was in charge!
The Bristow/Texaco AS355 was on an authorized visit to a local village which started to turn sour. The Captain (a long time in Nigeria American) decided it best to leave immediately. On his arrivial at the Funiwa he noticed how all were waving at him during his approach.
Just at touchdown he saw a village boy run past him toward the stairs. The HLO told him afterwards that the village boy was hanging on the skids. It seems he wanted to prevent the helicopter from taking off, so he held on to it! The flight was about 10-15 minutes at 100 knots!
There was always action, never a dull moment!
The crew used the Flow Station telephone to call back to Shell Warri to send a helicopter immediately to rescue them. The person on the line told the crew since it was Sunday he could not distrub his superior (he was playing golf) and would relay the message on Monday and hung up!
Therefore the crew stayed longer than they should have.
Therefore the crew stayed longer than they should have.
with another gentleman from the UK
You seem to have missed the PH crew's ordeal - or are you just referring to Warri?
Warri Kidnappings
Yes, I only mentioned Warri.
It seems that is was more active (village unrest) than PH at the time.
Thats why Shell moved most of their staff to PH as it was more secure. Ha, how times change.
But,yes, the expat 212 crew that got kidnapped in PH had a much harder time than the others. Both were threatened to be killed, were shoved around & beaten and had to watch animals having their throats cut as a warning!
Like I mentioned "Every Day Excitement!" at work.
They almost got me and my partner (red headed captain) flying for Shell Warri in Opuama.
They had it planned well and rushed out of the jungle towards the helicopter with knives, clubs and home made guns.
We just barley escaped since we had kept the rpm at 100%.
Unfortunately both Air Quartermasters (one trainee) stayed behind as they were too far off to make it to the a/c.
Boy, were the Kidnappers pissed off. They had waited many days in the rainy swamps for us to arrive. No food, no smokes, no fires (or everyone would know that they were there) and had many arguments as to "who's idea was this?
And than they didn't get us!
And something else...After 8 weeks on site I was due out on leave the next day...I had no time for such BS!
The Trainee Air Quartermaster was later on the aircraft that got kidnapped on the Swamp Queen. Two times in two months. I asked him later about his job and if he liked it or not..guess what his answer was!
It seems that is was more active (village unrest) than PH at the time.
Thats why Shell moved most of their staff to PH as it was more secure. Ha, how times change.
But,yes, the expat 212 crew that got kidnapped in PH had a much harder time than the others. Both were threatened to be killed, were shoved around & beaten and had to watch animals having their throats cut as a warning!
Like I mentioned "Every Day Excitement!" at work.
They almost got me and my partner (red headed captain) flying for Shell Warri in Opuama.
They had it planned well and rushed out of the jungle towards the helicopter with knives, clubs and home made guns.
We just barley escaped since we had kept the rpm at 100%.
Unfortunately both Air Quartermasters (one trainee) stayed behind as they were too far off to make it to the a/c.
Boy, were the Kidnappers pissed off. They had waited many days in the rainy swamps for us to arrive. No food, no smokes, no fires (or everyone would know that they were there) and had many arguments as to "who's idea was this?
And than they didn't get us!
And something else...After 8 weeks on site I was due out on leave the next day...I had no time for such BS!
The Trainee Air Quartermaster was later on the aircraft that got kidnapped on the Swamp Queen. Two times in two months. I asked him later about his job and if he liked it or not..guess what his answer was!
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Oh Boy!
I've been following the "What's New" thread over all these years and have enjoyed reading stories contributed by chaps who've obviously never been close to this part of the world. Reading your recollection of events (as someone who's actually been there...and still is, I think)...makes me wonder how quick history (that of us rotorheads) can be distorted in such a short time! Hope your Vietnam tales are more realistic, and that one to judge I leave to good ol' Sassy!
It's goodbye to the Mangrove swamps for me now. To all of my good friends who continue to work out there: Fly safely, and take things easy!
GB
It's goodbye to the Mangrove swamps for me now. To all of my good friends who continue to work out there: Fly safely, and take things easy!
GB
Ogunuman,
are you referring to Good Vibes account of events? I'd say they were pretty accurate and factually correct! On the other hand, as a 64 year old German living in Ogunu I'd suggest you might be GV's alter ego.....
are you referring to Good Vibes account of events? I'd say they were pretty accurate and factually correct! On the other hand, as a 64 year old German living in Ogunu I'd suggest you might be GV's alter ego.....
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Ex Ogunu
212man, These things happened 12 years ago and whether
or not, why spoil a good story with the truth? Luckily there were no more helicopter related kidnappings in the swamp since.
As for being based in Ogunu: Unfortunately I had to vacate my mansion at the end of September when the new guys took over. Other than that...LG!
GB
pretty accurate and factually correct
As for being based in Ogunu: Unfortunately I had to vacate my mansion at the end of September when the new guys took over. Other than that...LG!
GB
Kidnappings in the Delta
Yes, things did quite down a bit after the kidnappings. But there is still action in the Delta. Pipelines are still being blown up and crews from boats being kidnapped. The military is busy flying their Hinds shooting at the bad guys with the ground troops involved.
Regarding my stories of the helicopter kidnapping the crews were (initials only):
1) AS355 with hanging on the skids village boy(youth)...Captain B.H
Story told to me by the Captain and HLO of the Funiwa.
2) almost capture at Opuma....Captains MS & CK
I experienced it myself.
3) Swamp Queen kidnapping...Captains I.S & B.T
I was directly involved with various flights & I.S was my Housemate.
He did not come home that night, or the other nights either!
4) Middleton kidnapping .... Captains D.S & F.O S.A
I was definately involved with the resupply flights, etc and D.S was
also my Housemate at the time. The military did attempt to rescue them but it failed as I described.
5) Opuma kidnapping....Captains G.B & G.S
I was on site at the time and the crew told us this story upon the release. Don't you remember or was the story the crew told us not true?
6) PH kidnapping...Captains C.H & G.S (not the same as above)
I was also on site, not in PH but Warri. Captain C.H was also my Housemate at a previous location. This is the story the crew told and both left Nigeria after this and are working elsewhere for the same employee.
Yes, years have passed since then, but some things you remember if you are directly involved. Esp when your friends are the ones not coming home at night!
Regarding my stories of the helicopter kidnapping the crews were (initials only):
1) AS355 with hanging on the skids village boy(youth)...Captain B.H
Story told to me by the Captain and HLO of the Funiwa.
2) almost capture at Opuma....Captains MS & CK
I experienced it myself.
3) Swamp Queen kidnapping...Captains I.S & B.T
I was directly involved with various flights & I.S was my Housemate.
He did not come home that night, or the other nights either!
4) Middleton kidnapping .... Captains D.S & F.O S.A
I was definately involved with the resupply flights, etc and D.S was
also my Housemate at the time. The military did attempt to rescue them but it failed as I described.
5) Opuma kidnapping....Captains G.B & G.S
I was on site at the time and the crew told us this story upon the release. Don't you remember or was the story the crew told us not true?
6) PH kidnapping...Captains C.H & G.S (not the same as above)
I was also on site, not in PH but Warri. Captain C.H was also my Housemate at a previous location. This is the story the crew told and both left Nigeria after this and are working elsewhere for the same employee.
Yes, years have passed since then, but some things you remember if you are directly involved. Esp when your friends are the ones not coming home at night!
GB.....we do know how facts can be twisted about to suit the teller or those with something to hide don't we. Back in the 70's in Iran it went on as well. It was just a year or two ago we cleared up the matter of a shucked T/R gearbox that got got turned into a Pilot Error thing.
Enjoy your time off Mate....you deserve it after all these years. Did you get a Gold Watch and bottle of Champagne from the firm?
Enjoy your time off Mate....you deserve it after all these years. Did you get a Gold Watch and bottle of Champagne from the firm?
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Any truth in these rumours?
- Aero has tempted a certain ex OLOG person back from Qatar to run their rotary wing business?
- An ex Chevron adviser is now working for their fixed wing contractor?
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Plans to replace expatriate pilots!!! Really?
The Nation - Plans to replace expatriate pilots
Plans to replace expatriate pilots
Font size: Our Reporter 15/02/2011 00:00:00
The Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters, Capt. Akin Oni, has said the company has put a policy in place to replace all existing expatriate pilots and engineers with Nigerians by 2015.
Oni, who disclosed this last week in Lagos at a press conference, said the helicopter company had trained some Nigerian pilots overseas who would join the organisation soon.
He stated that the replacement would be done in phases as the training of pilots and engineers to attain professionalism takes about seven years.
"I am proud that today there are eight Nigerians who are coming after their graduation in the United States. We expect to receive them, who have in the last years trained as helicopter pilots. They will be graduating in a couple of weeks. So, in another four weeks, we expect them back in Nigeria," Capt. Oni said.
However, the managing director said the company would like to do the training in Nigeria, but regretted that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria has not got a helicopter training school.
He added that there were plans to start helicopter training at NCAT and that "when that happens we will stop the training in the United States."
Oni also said that the company was working with the NCAT management to build a hangar at the college.
"At NCAT, we are we are putting money into the classrooms and very soon we expect aeronautical engineers to come in from the United States. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the college. So, there is nothing stopping us from investing in Zaria. Also the equipment we have been waiting for have arrived in Nigeria and the next thing is the delivery of the equipment to Zaria," he added.
He further said: "So very soon, we will be renovating the hangar at NCAT, we are putting money into the classrooms, next month we expect, two aeronautical engineering instructors to come in, from the United States, these two persons will be at the aviation training college in Zaria, we signed a memorandum of understanding, nothing is stoping from going ahead with our plans to invest in Zaria, so the equipment we have been waiting for , for Zaria will arrive soon, is on going ,we have spend energy and time to invest in the training of eight Nigerians , today we have eight in the US, academy , we expect four trained as helicopter pilots, they will graduate very soon.
We are doing training of helicopter pilots abroad because NCAT does not have the capacity , it is yet to get an chopper training school, there are plans there, we have the largest helicopter training school in the world to assist NCAT, there is a lot to learn and we are wiling to assist, we are doing a lot.
The challenge is that there is a gestation period for pilots, and engineers, we are faced with that , we do not have the capacity to train enough pilots and engineers in Nigeria, that is why we are engaging foreign pilots and engineers, when we have enough Nigerians we will replace the foreign professionals, but it is even more challenging now that we have category one, we need to work more on how to replace highly experienced experts with Nigerians, knowing the gestation period of such professionals.
We will still need to engage some foreigners until we bridge the gap."
Plans to replace expatriate pilots
Font size: Our Reporter 15/02/2011 00:00:00
The Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters, Capt. Akin Oni, has said the company has put a policy in place to replace all existing expatriate pilots and engineers with Nigerians by 2015.
Oni, who disclosed this last week in Lagos at a press conference, said the helicopter company had trained some Nigerian pilots overseas who would join the organisation soon.
He stated that the replacement would be done in phases as the training of pilots and engineers to attain professionalism takes about seven years.
"I am proud that today there are eight Nigerians who are coming after their graduation in the United States. We expect to receive them, who have in the last years trained as helicopter pilots. They will be graduating in a couple of weeks. So, in another four weeks, we expect them back in Nigeria," Capt. Oni said.
However, the managing director said the company would like to do the training in Nigeria, but regretted that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria has not got a helicopter training school.
He added that there were plans to start helicopter training at NCAT and that "when that happens we will stop the training in the United States."
Oni also said that the company was working with the NCAT management to build a hangar at the college.
"At NCAT, we are we are putting money into the classrooms and very soon we expect aeronautical engineers to come in from the United States. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the college. So, there is nothing stopping us from investing in Zaria. Also the equipment we have been waiting for have arrived in Nigeria and the next thing is the delivery of the equipment to Zaria," he added.
He further said: "So very soon, we will be renovating the hangar at NCAT, we are putting money into the classrooms, next month we expect, two aeronautical engineering instructors to come in, from the United States, these two persons will be at the aviation training college in Zaria, we signed a memorandum of understanding, nothing is stoping from going ahead with our plans to invest in Zaria, so the equipment we have been waiting for , for Zaria will arrive soon, is on going ,we have spend energy and time to invest in the training of eight Nigerians , today we have eight in the US, academy , we expect four trained as helicopter pilots, they will graduate very soon.
We are doing training of helicopter pilots abroad because NCAT does not have the capacity , it is yet to get an chopper training school, there are plans there, we have the largest helicopter training school in the world to assist NCAT, there is a lot to learn and we are wiling to assist, we are doing a lot.
The challenge is that there is a gestation period for pilots, and engineers, we are faced with that , we do not have the capacity to train enough pilots and engineers in Nigeria, that is why we are engaging foreign pilots and engineers, when we have enough Nigerians we will replace the foreign professionals, but it is even more challenging now that we have category one, we need to work more on how to replace highly experienced experts with Nigerians, knowing the gestation period of such professionals.
We will still need to engage some foreigners until we bridge the gap."