What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Murica.
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I remember Akin Oni telling us back in...oh...2010 or so, that there would be 100% Nigerian content by 2015. Looks like they are working hard to make it so at least be the end of 2015.
Even with the downturn due to oil prices, and the resultant fewer flights, there has got to be some really inexperienced guys manning those machines. I flew with some really good Nigerians, but also with some rather substandard ones. Just like any other nationality experience speaks volumes, and there can't be much left in Bristow Nigeria. Hopefully they can fill the experience bag before the luck bag runs out...
Even with the downturn due to oil prices, and the resultant fewer flights, there has got to be some really inexperienced guys manning those machines. I flew with some really good Nigerians, but also with some rather substandard ones. Just like any other nationality experience speaks volumes, and there can't be much left in Bristow Nigeria. Hopefully they can fill the experience bag before the luck bag runs out...
I have no problems with the pilots I have flown with as their training is pretty disciplined. As long as they don't stray too far from the checklist or something crazy doesn't happen that isn't in the checklist they will be fine. Engineers are another matter.
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Engineering was scary long before I left. And not just inexperienced nationals.
Being told by an engineer that "we double check everything that guy does, as he has drug issues...but sometimes we don't catch it before you go fly" was always comforting. Or being threatened to be "pulled behind the hangar and beat to ****" for writing something up.
Happy days...glad I'm gone.
Being told by an engineer that "we double check everything that guy does, as he has drug issues...but sometimes we don't catch it before you go fly" was always comforting. Or being threatened to be "pulled behind the hangar and beat to ****" for writing something up.
Happy days...glad I'm gone.
As long as they don't stray too far from the checklist or something crazy doesn't happen that isn't in the checklist they will be fine.
These days, you'll have a barely experienced captain, with a new cadet coey, flying VFR flights, in IMC conditions, in badly managed crowded airspace, in foul weather. As TMTS wrote,
Hopefully they can fill the experience bag before the luck bag runs out...
Join Date: Sep 2008
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"Engineering was scary long before I left. And not just inexperienced nationals.
Being told by an engineer that "we double check everything that guy does, as he has drug issues...but sometimes we don't catch it before you go fly" was always comforting. Or being threatened to be "pulled behind the hangar and beat to ****" for writing something up. "
I think you should have manned up and gone to management and told them the problem. Then gone back and taken him round the back of the hangar.
I am not saying it didnt happen - but it does not sound like any engineers I know/knew in Nigeria. Were these BHL guys?
Being told by an engineer that "we double check everything that guy does, as he has drug issues...but sometimes we don't catch it before you go fly" was always comforting. Or being threatened to be "pulled behind the hangar and beat to ****" for writing something up. "
I think you should have manned up and gone to management and told them the problem. Then gone back and taken him round the back of the hangar.
I am not saying it didnt happen - but it does not sound like any engineers I know/knew in Nigeria. Were these BHL guys?
Engineering standards varied by Base, shift, and sometimes just the time of Day.
Some very good Engineers...some not so good....some that were advised to stick to sweeping up....and some that were just down right dangerous.
Pilots were about the same....some very safe...some crashed perfectly good helicopters...some had their luck run out and died.
Sadly....it is....what it is.
One did not go to Nigeria to improve one's Professional Skills and Standards and it all too often was just the opposite if the Guy forgot why he was there....that being put back some Dosh or pay off the Mortgage. Stay after that was done and the crawl into the Cellar began.
I enjoyed working with a lot of folks....tolerated most folks....and absolutely loathed a few who had climbed that greasy pole of management.
Loyalty and Integrity were not required Traits for Management. Knowing the Secret Handshake or being Ex-Army (British Army only need apply) seemed to be the key to success.
Back when the RAF or RN guys ran the Show it was much better.
At least nights in the Bar were far more fun anyway.
All this is looking back on far too many Years in Nigeria watching the Rats scurrying over to Fixed Wing and climbing higher into the rigging as the holds filled with water. I guess the Salvation was the water was shallow enough to keep the Ship afloat until the Tide goes back out.
With the recent reduction which seems to smack of "We'll Show You!"....in time the wheels will come off the Wagon and "Outsiders" will once again be in high demand.
Say nice things, keep in touch, and stay current somehow....there will be Openings for you again if you do.....just be patient.
Some very good Engineers...some not so good....some that were advised to stick to sweeping up....and some that were just down right dangerous.
Pilots were about the same....some very safe...some crashed perfectly good helicopters...some had their luck run out and died.
Sadly....it is....what it is.
One did not go to Nigeria to improve one's Professional Skills and Standards and it all too often was just the opposite if the Guy forgot why he was there....that being put back some Dosh or pay off the Mortgage. Stay after that was done and the crawl into the Cellar began.
I enjoyed working with a lot of folks....tolerated most folks....and absolutely loathed a few who had climbed that greasy pole of management.
Loyalty and Integrity were not required Traits for Management. Knowing the Secret Handshake or being Ex-Army (British Army only need apply) seemed to be the key to success.
Back when the RAF or RN guys ran the Show it was much better.
At least nights in the Bar were far more fun anyway.
All this is looking back on far too many Years in Nigeria watching the Rats scurrying over to Fixed Wing and climbing higher into the rigging as the holds filled with water. I guess the Salvation was the water was shallow enough to keep the Ship afloat until the Tide goes back out.
With the recent reduction which seems to smack of "We'll Show You!"....in time the wheels will come off the Wagon and "Outsiders" will once again be in high demand.
Say nice things, keep in touch, and stay current somehow....there will be Openings for you again if you do.....just be patient.
Join Date: Sep 2008
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Its with regret I hear about engineering in that manner as I thought we had the highest standards and a good professional attitude.
The statement below is aimed at both Pilots/Engineers and Management:
If you cannot or are not willing to work with professionalism and a positive attitude then maybe you shouldnt be there. If the conditions are bad and nothing changes - leave rather than go down hill with the slide. Integrity is most important and covering for others is not professional, if something affects safety address it - dont hide it under the carpet.
The statement below is aimed at both Pilots/Engineers and Management:
If you cannot or are not willing to work with professionalism and a positive attitude then maybe you shouldnt be there. If the conditions are bad and nothing changes - leave rather than go down hill with the slide. Integrity is most important and covering for others is not professional, if something affects safety address it - dont hide it under the carpet.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Land of the roundabouts.
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Bily Boyle,
Lin100, I have just been on email to Billy and asked him to check out this forum, and as of yesterday , he is alive and well.
Hopefully he will get in touch with you.
Hopefully he will get in touch with you.
I can hear him saying "how's the crack?" 
Nigerian In Law
Seasons Greetings
To all my friends and former colleagues in Nigeria, whatever your religious persuasion, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
NEO
NEO
Join Date: Feb 2009
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Thanks NEO, the site seems to have gone quiet, Soggy must be around somewhere as well, maybe we should start some new rumours about new contract. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Grunt 92.
Grunt 92.
NEO,
You still employed or were you one of the bunch that got shown the door?
You still employed or were you one of the bunch that got shown the door?
Nigerian In Law
Hi Sas,
I departed under my own steam at the end of April. The writing was on the wall and after 25 years, 22 of which were officially spent in Nigeria (barring time off for cancer treatment) I decided it would be much better to leave on good terms than as a name on a list.
People can (and do) say what they want about Bristow but except for some injustices emanating from rumours that certain managers believed without corroboration and the usual politics (both prevalent in other companies as well), my time with them was rewarding and overall I was extremely well treated, especially when I was ill.
Cheers,
NEO
I departed under my own steam at the end of April. The writing was on the wall and after 25 years, 22 of which were officially spent in Nigeria (barring time off for cancer treatment) I decided it would be much better to leave on good terms than as a name on a list.
People can (and do) say what they want about Bristow but except for some injustices emanating from rumours that certain managers believed without corroboration and the usual politics (both prevalent in other companies as well), my time with them was rewarding and overall I was extremely well treated, especially when I was ill.
Cheers,
NEO
It was a good ride
I agree completely with you NEO.
Despite the inconveniences and dangers...ie no power at times, kidnappings of crews & a/c, locked in by protesters, long duty hours & transport times, etc I was very impressed how we all accommodated to these things and still flew our hours in all types of weather. And anyone who was there knows there was "weather!"
Met lots of good people, both local and expats.
Thank You All!
MS
Despite the inconveniences and dangers...ie no power at times, kidnappings of crews & a/c, locked in by protesters, long duty hours & transport times, etc I was very impressed how we all accommodated to these things and still flew our hours in all types of weather. And anyone who was there knows there was "weather!"
Met lots of good people, both local and expats.
Thank You All!
MS