What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All down to T's and C's, why stay here if you can earn more on North Sea, same goes for engineers who are looking towards a Eurocopter deal in Malaysia, circa 10k Euros a month. I am surprised you still get engineers to come here!!!!!
Is it also true that there is no more type courses for engineers over 55 ???? what a lovely industry.
Accomodation I would have though would have been a minor issue but with crews, especially Shell crews, flying a max of 80 hrs scheduled a month, need a nice room to spend all that spare time in and must have internet access or....
So, whats it to be, I bet its a trade off between 6 and 6 or money for 8 and 4, I can see the script coming. As for allowances, who is exchanging Naira???? I need every penny (sorry Kobo) to buy out of date tins of beans and stale cornflakes etc and the odd, if I can extend that far, round in the bar.
So its more allowances, more money, more time off, more free internet access, more...I need to think.
Is it also true that there is no more type courses for engineers over 55 ???? what a lovely industry.
Accomodation I would have though would have been a minor issue but with crews, especially Shell crews, flying a max of 80 hrs scheduled a month, need a nice room to spend all that spare time in and must have internet access or....
So, whats it to be, I bet its a trade off between 6 and 6 or money for 8 and 4, I can see the script coming. As for allowances, who is exchanging Naira???? I need every penny (sorry Kobo) to buy out of date tins of beans and stale cornflakes etc and the odd, if I can extend that far, round in the bar.
So its more allowances, more money, more time off, more free internet access, more...I need to think.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Marignane
Age: 56
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
job for Yoho project ?
Hi everybody,
i'm new here, and i look at so much good and field information , great forum !
I 'd like your advice about a job for EXXON MOBILE in Port harcourt,
Is it true that they 're using some Astar B BA & B2 and also some other single engine like B206.......?
I hear about a B47 G2 also, what wonderful aircraft for Off shore ! Is there any on shore job perhaps ??
regards
i'm new here, and i look at so much good and field information , great forum !
I 'd like your advice about a job for EXXON MOBILE in Port harcourt,
Is it true that they 're using some Astar B BA & B2 and also some other single engine like B206.......?
I hear about a B47 G2 also, what wonderful aircraft for Off shore ! Is there any on shore job perhaps ??
regards
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: In my house
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
robinson 44
I don't think that Exxon Mobil are using any Bell 47s now, I think they switched to turbines in about 1970, but I stand to be corrected. Bell 412EPs are the type now, still almost the same as the G2 really and they are both Bells, I suppose.
I don't know what Exxon Mobile are using, are they a new company?
Please let me know what substance you are taking, I think I might like some.
HH
I don't think that Exxon Mobil are using any Bell 47s now, I think they switched to turbines in about 1970, but I stand to be corrected. Bell 412EPs are the type now, still almost the same as the G2 really and they are both Bells, I suppose.
I don't know what Exxon Mobile are using, are they a new company?
Please let me know what substance you are taking, I think I might like some.
HH
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ouahouigouya
Age: 82
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
robinson 44,
Hippolite is right, I'd like to try some of what you smoking.
There is nothing like Bell 47 flying in Nigeria because there is nothing like Avgas in Nigeria for many years. As for other single turbine helicopter, they will soon be prohibited for all offshore and anyway Exxon/Mobil will never use anything but twin with 2 crew. They are now changing from Bell 212 to Bell 412 EP and also have some S76 flying for them. Their main base anyway is Qua Ibo Terminal, on the beach near Eket and the only pilots they emploi direct is for fix wing. If you want to fly helicopter for them you better join Bristow.
If you want to fly 350B2 join Caverton Helicopter, but you have to like to live in Nigeria 9 months a year if you work for them, and they're Nigerian company so maybe some months you won't get your pay. You can post a resume on their website.
Hippolite is right, I'd like to try some of what you smoking.
There is nothing like Bell 47 flying in Nigeria because there is nothing like Avgas in Nigeria for many years. As for other single turbine helicopter, they will soon be prohibited for all offshore and anyway Exxon/Mobil will never use anything but twin with 2 crew. They are now changing from Bell 212 to Bell 412 EP and also have some S76 flying for them. Their main base anyway is Qua Ibo Terminal, on the beach near Eket and the only pilots they emploi direct is for fix wing. If you want to fly helicopter for them you better join Bristow.
If you want to fly 350B2 join Caverton Helicopter, but you have to like to live in Nigeria 9 months a year if you work for them, and they're Nigerian company so maybe some months you won't get your pay. You can post a resume on their website.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Marignane
Age: 56
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank for your information,
can i send you the job profile and contact received from the "firm" EXXON MOBILE, with a spectacular contract terms, it's seems to be a nice swindle, and at the end, of course, i need to have a "insurance policy for international travel" and i need to pay for it........
In france we say a "arnaque à la Nigerianne" and i'd like to inform some other pilots to take care about this fraud.
fly safely !
can i send you the job profile and contact received from the "firm" EXXON MOBILE, with a spectacular contract terms, it's seems to be a nice swindle, and at the end, of course, i need to have a "insurance policy for international travel" and i need to pay for it........
In france we say a "arnaque à la Nigerianne" and i'd like to inform some other pilots to take care about this fraud.
fly safely !
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Germany
Age: 76
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Last time I checked it was 'Exxon Mobil' (no final letter 'e') so it looks, on the face of it, as though you just found another variation on the '419' scam, some deal that you pay up front for but get nothing for in return.
I never heard of a reputable employer for Nigeria who would ask for money from prospective employees for visa fees or whatever. In fact, one would often see people hired at great trouble and expense who only lasted one or two tours.
If it's a straight deal there is no way they would want any money from you first.
I never heard of a reputable employer for Nigeria who would ask for money from prospective employees for visa fees or whatever. In fact, one would often see people hired at great trouble and expense who only lasted one or two tours.
If it's a straight deal there is no way they would want any money from you first.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lost and Legless somewhere in LaLaLand
Age: 77
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where are all the people leaving companies in Nigeria going? Both CHC and Bristow are losing pilots, engineers and other staff, but are they leaving Nigeria for better jobs or just swapping between companies? Even Caverton, which only seems to be able to get hold of Nigerian ex-copilots is losing staff from Port Harcourt (probably because they're bored with doing nothing for weeks at a time),
Has anybody heard anything about this helicopter new company in Lagos, AOS or something? I think they may be the people that had a heliport in Maryland, Lagos, that the NCAA closed down. I'm told they have an AS350B2 and are going to be getting another and maybe a Bell 412 very soon for the charter market out of Lagos. That will give Caverton some more competition. Have they started hiring yet, and are they partnered with anybody? There's also a Bell 407 owned by an Italian company which was at the Caverton heangar for a while, but that's now being flown by Pan African. Have they bought it, or is it being leased to them?
Has anybody heard anything about this helicopter new company in Lagos, AOS or something? I think they may be the people that had a heliport in Maryland, Lagos, that the NCAA closed down. I'm told they have an AS350B2 and are going to be getting another and maybe a Bell 412 very soon for the charter market out of Lagos. That will give Caverton some more competition. Have they started hiring yet, and are they partnered with anybody? There's also a Bell 407 owned by an Italian company which was at the Caverton heangar for a while, but that's now being flown by Pan African. Have they bought it, or is it being leased to them?
Changing of the Guard
For PhilJ
The Chevron contract that Pan Africian held was awarded to Airlog International some time age. Since then Bristow appears to have taken over the management of the Escarvos contract. That being said, both Bristow Helicopters and Airlogistics are all part of the Bristows Group (The old Offshore Logistics) Word on the street was that any queires were directed through Redhill however, pilots are being trained and administrated through the GOM International division. Have conditions improved since the changeover? sadly it seems they have not, prehapes others can be more help in that department.
The Chevron contract that Pan Africian held was awarded to Airlog International some time age. Since then Bristow appears to have taken over the management of the Escarvos contract. That being said, both Bristow Helicopters and Airlogistics are all part of the Bristows Group (The old Offshore Logistics) Word on the street was that any queires were directed through Redhill however, pilots are being trained and administrated through the GOM International division. Have conditions improved since the changeover? sadly it seems they have not, prehapes others can be more help in that department.
Nigerian In Law
inmate/PhilJ,
What has happened is that Offshore Logistics (OLOG), has been renamed Bristow Group International (BGI). The structure remains the same, it's just the name that changed. Air Logistics are owned by BGI outright, so are Pan African. BGI own (unless things have changed) 49 % of Bristow among others.
As for admin and conditions let's see what gets posted. I have heard things are going to improve, partly because of the retention problem. But this is a rumour forum !!
NEO
What has happened is that Offshore Logistics (OLOG), has been renamed Bristow Group International (BGI). The structure remains the same, it's just the name that changed. Air Logistics are owned by BGI outright, so are Pan African. BGI own (unless things have changed) 49 % of Bristow among others.
As for admin and conditions let's see what gets posted. I have heard things are going to improve, partly because of the retention problem. But this is a rumour forum !!
NEO
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Victoria Garden City
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Due to the oustanding success of all our operations everywhere, especially our scheduled shuttle service between Victoria Island and Lagos International airport, you will soon see about the great things happening in our company. The arrival of our S92s, EC225s, EC155s, S76Ds, AB139s, Bell 412EPs, Bell 407s, AS350B3s and tiltrotors will revolutionise the helicopter market in Nigeria and once again show to everyone our pre-eminence in all matters of helicopter excellence. In our superb maintenance facility in Lagos we will install such modern-day facilities as hoist, fuel tank and hydraulic rig so we will be an approved maintenance center for all Agusta, Sikorsky, Bell and Eurocopter types. Naturally this will call for a huge increase in staff and we will be appointing many marketing consultants to find regional managers to further expand the many new opportunities opening up to a centre of excellence such as ours, every day. As usual we will be primarily looking for pilots with little or no command experience who we can properly train in the way of excellence and who prefer to be dynamic administrators to mere aviators. Our benefits package will include all the benefits for which we are renowned, such as monthly salary of nearly N60,000 a month and we hope to have measures in place for paying this nearly monthly once we can get our bank account working. Expatriates will love the 4 months on, 1 month off touring cycle including a salary which is the envy of many in poor third world countries. Also included will be superb housing with generator facilities during evenings so crews may relax after a long day marketing and administering in our centre of excellence. Our staff house bar is renowned for its hospitality and parties by the side of the new swimming pool site and you will be able to invite all your friends on your own telephone when the bill has been paid.
Yet again, showing how Nigerian aviation sets the standards for the rest of the world to follow.
Yet again, showing how Nigerian aviation sets the standards for the rest of the world to follow.
My how times do change! Retired pilots getting reinstated to full scale salary....COLA going up subtantially....those announcing intentions to leave Bristow and Nigeria are given "Pre-Exit" interviews in an attempt to keep them onboard. Next thing you know it will be 6/6 and Business Class travel being offered. Heard tell that even some of the Mandarins from the upper levels of the Ivory Tower found their way to Lagos finally.
However the game of Ten Little Indians runs apace....five more down the pike.
However the game of Ten Little Indians runs apace....five more down the pike.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lost and Legless somewhere in LaLaLand
Age: 77
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SAS,
As far as Caverton goes, they're an irrelevant joke who's management has never grasped the concept of market forces, despite their playboy MD allegedly having a degree in economics. The management of Bristow and CHC are so far out of touch that they'll do nothing to stop the haemorrhage of pilots and engineers from Nigeria until it's almost too late and they can no longer maintain or crew contract aircraft - and that day is getting very close
Advice for anyone being offered a job with either Bristow or CHC in Nigeria - if you can afford it, just keep them hanging on a string for a few months longer, because your ultimate reward may be to get paid what the job there is actually worth. Just remember that 9 expats were kidnapped and held hostage in the last few months, a bunch of policemen were shot dead and a bullet damaged a helicopter in a CHC base recently, and then ask yourself if it's worth risking your life and the future of your family for just a measly few dollars more 
Everyone acknowledges that Iraq is a war zone and is offering salaries concomitant with that. Nobody wants to acknowledge what the CIA already knows - that Nigeria is home to a low-level civil war that has all the prospects of becoming a full-fledged civil war when the Presidential elections happen in 2007. Anyone remember Biafra -because the Biafran separatists who killed numerous population census enumerators 2 weeks ago certainly do.
As far as Caverton goes, they're an irrelevant joke who's management has never grasped the concept of market forces, despite their playboy MD allegedly having a degree in economics. The management of Bristow and CHC are so far out of touch that they'll do nothing to stop the haemorrhage of pilots and engineers from Nigeria until it's almost too late and they can no longer maintain or crew contract aircraft - and that day is getting very close
Advice for anyone being offered a job with either Bristow or CHC in Nigeria - if you can afford it, just keep them hanging on a string for a few months longer, because your ultimate reward may be to get paid what the job there is actually worth. Just remember that 9 expats were kidnapped and held hostage in the last few months, a bunch of policemen were shot dead and a bullet damaged a helicopter in a CHC base recently, and then ask yourself if it's worth risking your life and the future of your family for just a measly few dollars more Everyone acknowledges that Iraq is a war zone and is offering salaries concomitant with that. Nobody wants to acknowledge what the CIA already knows - that Nigeria is home to a low-level civil war that has all the prospects of becoming a full-fledged civil war when the Presidential elections happen in 2007. Anyone remember Biafra -because the Biafran separatists who killed numerous population census enumerators 2 weeks ago certainly do.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Okrika
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PW,
You hit the nail on the head there my man. Caverton is a third-world company, with third-world standards and more third-world staff than any others. Maybe Bristow think that by replacing one out-of-touch expat with another who is still advised by the deaf and the blind they can solve their problems. The dinosaurs still rule and the one real hope for their future - a Nigerian who is about a million times brighter than all the outsiders they still insist on bringing in to solve their problems - has yet-again been passed over for a bunch of expat no-hopers. CHC are in the same boat with the giant at the top backing a local who is there only to feather his own nest and promote his own family despite alienating the majority of the local staff. The house of cards has started to collapse and yet the Nigerian partners in these companies are not intervening to protect their investment. Let the cards fall where they will. The dinosaurs will go the way of all dinosaurs and those with the ability to walk upright without family patronage will eventually rule the earth. As for me - 'chop I chop'.
You hit the nail on the head there my man. Caverton is a third-world company, with third-world standards and more third-world staff than any others. Maybe Bristow think that by replacing one out-of-touch expat with another who is still advised by the deaf and the blind they can solve their problems. The dinosaurs still rule and the one real hope for their future - a Nigerian who is about a million times brighter than all the outsiders they still insist on bringing in to solve their problems - has yet-again been passed over for a bunch of expat no-hopers. CHC are in the same boat with the giant at the top backing a local who is there only to feather his own nest and promote his own family despite alienating the majority of the local staff. The house of cards has started to collapse and yet the Nigerian partners in these companies are not intervening to protect their investment. Let the cards fall where they will. The dinosaurs will go the way of all dinosaurs and those with the ability to walk upright without family patronage will eventually rule the earth. As for me - 'chop I chop'.
ETB....
Years ago when I departed Lagos for the last time....I was asked for and provided an assessment of the situation in Nigeria. One of these days I will make public that e-mail I sent to Redhill. All it got was a very large Black mark beside my name and filing in the round file because it said things they did not care to listen to. It is just as timely today as when I sent it to the Mandarins.....some of the suggested changes have occurred....but not many.
The Colonial mentality runs strong yet.....maybe in time it will be overcome by commonsense. The individual you describe was listed by name in that missive from years ago...and in time maybe he will be given an opportunity to demonstrate his ability. He is certainly heads above the dino's that linger on beyond their sell by date.
The old take it or leave attitude is taking its toll now....the Ozzie's are doing a runner....young folks have the ability to find jobs elsewhere that pay as good or better....old guys are retiring....guys with commonsense will not take the risks or put up with the lifestyle for the money offered...contract jobs in good areas pay better...and the pool of pilots with all the type ratings garnered at their own expense just do not exist.
The Dino's cannot figure that out for some reason. How many pilots and engineers have they run off over the past years that would still be here if they had been treated right?
They have made their bed.....they just will have to sleep in it for a while until they find a way to provide a decent lifestyle, decent wage packet, and find out how to treat people in a manner that will attract and retain quality people. Until then....they will be sleeping single in a double bed.
(Grammar and spelling mistakes are alcohol induced!)
Years ago when I departed Lagos for the last time....I was asked for and provided an assessment of the situation in Nigeria. One of these days I will make public that e-mail I sent to Redhill. All it got was a very large Black mark beside my name and filing in the round file because it said things they did not care to listen to. It is just as timely today as when I sent it to the Mandarins.....some of the suggested changes have occurred....but not many.
The Colonial mentality runs strong yet.....maybe in time it will be overcome by commonsense. The individual you describe was listed by name in that missive from years ago...and in time maybe he will be given an opportunity to demonstrate his ability. He is certainly heads above the dino's that linger on beyond their sell by date.
The old take it or leave attitude is taking its toll now....the Ozzie's are doing a runner....young folks have the ability to find jobs elsewhere that pay as good or better....old guys are retiring....guys with commonsense will not take the risks or put up with the lifestyle for the money offered...contract jobs in good areas pay better...and the pool of pilots with all the type ratings garnered at their own expense just do not exist.
The Dino's cannot figure that out for some reason. How many pilots and engineers have they run off over the past years that would still be here if they had been treated right?
They have made their bed.....they just will have to sleep in it for a while until they find a way to provide a decent lifestyle, decent wage packet, and find out how to treat people in a manner that will attract and retain quality people. Until then....they will be sleeping single in a double bed.
(Grammar and spelling mistakes are alcohol induced!)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Las Vegas
Age: 74
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi SASles
DITTO!!! I'm afraid the tick in the box mentality always rules out over new management technics. Until the machine actually HALTS, no decision will be the decision of the day. Don't think the guys higher up the chain really care anymore than the person you deal with directly. They DON'T. Just don't make waves and I retire wealthy in a couple of years. Since this isn't a unique phenomenon all you can do is sit back and enjoy watching the show.
I do hope things get better for those still there trying. However, time has passed both of us by. So all the best to those who remain. Just don't think it's going to change for the better anytime soon. A rather negative but true historical perspective.
Cheers,
musket33
DITTO!!! I'm afraid the tick in the box mentality always rules out over new management technics. Until the machine actually HALTS, no decision will be the decision of the day. Don't think the guys higher up the chain really care anymore than the person you deal with directly. They DON'T. Just don't make waves and I retire wealthy in a couple of years. Since this isn't a unique phenomenon all you can do is sit back and enjoy watching the show.
I do hope things get better for those still there trying. However, time has passed both of us by. So all the best to those who remain. Just don't think it's going to change for the better anytime soon. A rather negative but true historical perspective.
Cheers,
musket33
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Lagos
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bristow now has the Super Puma down at Port Harcourt NAF Base flying for SNEPCO. Must make it pretty noisy in that funny little hangar they built - obviously the Super Puma wasn't in the plans when that was built! Their ramp is getting pretty crowded now and I'm surprised they didn't concrete over a lot more grass to make more room. Unfortunately, most of the machinery is pretty old and some of it must now be getting towards the maximum age allowed in Nigeria. The Super Pumas may be big, but they're also pretty long in the tooth. I wonder how they're doing for crew housing. I hear a number of people are not enjoying Woji, mostly because of the location and the internet isn't going to be all that they were originally promised. They still have people leaving and it must be only a matter of time before they can't crew aircraft any more. If there's no mention of 6/6 in their forthcoming pay and allowances review, expect further desertions 
I think Musket33 hit the nail on the head.
CHC, despite 6/6 still has pilots and engineers leaving. There are still promises of improvements to their housing, but they're still going to be living on the Areta Estate and I hear that they may actually be looking at putting internet in all the houses there. Just as well because they haven't got much of anything else, except a bar. It must be costing them a lot of money getting all their pilots going to Nigeria Canadian licences and then having them leave. Both they and Bristow have had pilots and engineers leave after only one tour. It will be interesting to see if they do anything to redress the situation in their pay review next month - probably not. Apparently their ops director thinks they all live in some tropical paradise
They do at least have some shiny new helicopters due in Nigeria soon and a number of the older 365Ns and S76Bs have been got rid of lately.
Caverton have been advertising on Just Helicopters, but they'll find it difficult to get anybody at the rates they're offering for 4/1. They also have expat and national staff leaving which must be difficult in a very small company like that. I believe that their Dauphins and Squirrells are leased from Heliportugal and this caused a problem between the MD of Heliportugal and another former director who was concerned as to whether they'd get the machines back. Rumour has it that they may be looking to sell their A109. Wonder if that will be easy after it's been in Nigeria and operated by a wholly Nigerian company? It'll be interesting to see if they find a buyer and what they plan to replace it with. All the stuff they have is pretty old and just having a few leather seat covers doesn't mean they have any of the equipment becoming more necessary in Nigeria, like TCAS. They have about 20 new machines on the way if the post above is anything to go by
The post may be a good joke, but their salaries and roster aren't.
With the price of oil set to stay high, increasing work in Nigeria if the big operators don't take some drastic measures soon I wouldn't be surprised to see more helicopters sitting out on the ramp doing nothing because of lack of crews and engineers to keep them flying.
I think Musket33 hit the nail on the head.CHC, despite 6/6 still has pilots and engineers leaving. There are still promises of improvements to their housing, but they're still going to be living on the Areta Estate and I hear that they may actually be looking at putting internet in all the houses there. Just as well because they haven't got much of anything else, except a bar. It must be costing them a lot of money getting all their pilots going to Nigeria Canadian licences and then having them leave. Both they and Bristow have had pilots and engineers leave after only one tour. It will be interesting to see if they do anything to redress the situation in their pay review next month - probably not. Apparently their ops director thinks they all live in some tropical paradise
They do at least have some shiny new helicopters due in Nigeria soon and a number of the older 365Ns and S76Bs have been got rid of lately.Caverton have been advertising on Just Helicopters, but they'll find it difficult to get anybody at the rates they're offering for 4/1. They also have expat and national staff leaving which must be difficult in a very small company like that. I believe that their Dauphins and Squirrells are leased from Heliportugal and this caused a problem between the MD of Heliportugal and another former director who was concerned as to whether they'd get the machines back. Rumour has it that they may be looking to sell their A109. Wonder if that will be easy after it's been in Nigeria and operated by a wholly Nigerian company? It'll be interesting to see if they find a buyer and what they plan to replace it with. All the stuff they have is pretty old and just having a few leather seat covers doesn't mean they have any of the equipment becoming more necessary in Nigeria, like TCAS. They have about 20 new machines on the way if the post above is anything to go by
The post may be a good joke, but their salaries and roster aren't.With the price of oil set to stay high, increasing work in Nigeria if the big operators don't take some drastic measures soon I wouldn't be surprised to see more helicopters sitting out on the ramp doing nothing because of lack of crews and engineers to keep them flying.