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What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)

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Old 25th Feb 2007, 11:25
  #1701 (permalink)  
 
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Some are married to local women but all have "single status" employment contracts.
"We drink because that's all there is to do," said the British LAE, surveying the table piled high with empty beer bottles and cans.
His older neighbour, the night standby pilot, is already aimably drunk, slurring the same question for the sixth time.
Two delapidated ceiling fans go lazily round, covered in a thick coat of grime. Black ants with a vicious bite drop from the bamboo ceiling.
The other bar that the men have access to is known as the "Slaughterhouse," in reference to the nights when prostitutes are allowed in.
...what more can one ask for?
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Old 25th Feb 2007, 11:41
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archos,

Is that a BHNL or CHC night stand by crew ?

The different business models are now plainly obvious in PH; risk averse Bristow pulling all their non essential staff out and suspending all development/investment, make hay while the sun shines CHC bringing in new aircraft to fill the gap and build a new hangar.

Who will succeeed in the long run ? Interesting times

NEO
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Old 25th Feb 2007, 13:59
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Devil Are You There?

So NEO,

Are you there? If you're no more essential what hope is there for Bristow in Nigeria?
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Old 25th Feb 2007, 14:46
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Thumbs up Cheer Up!

What is all these negative things going on here? We have our Jumbolinos now operating and showing to every company in Port Harcourt how things are done in the Centre of Aviation Excellence. The Jumbolino is showing how things should be done under the guiding hand of daddy and everybody is so very happy to see the Nigerian way of running comoany and showing every good thing for which our country is renowned. From the cabin of the Jumbolino everybody is so enjoying the panoramic view of the beautiful countryside and no sign of any of this nonsence being talked of gun or missile put out by wicked people who wish to make this great nation look so bad.
We can offer employment now to any Jumbolino pilot who is fed up with all this madness of curfew, convoy, clockdown. You will stay in the finest hotels daddy can afford with a good time gauranteed with all the fine allowance we pay each day. No armed man will draw attention to you as you ride to work in the air-condioned comfort of a fine Korean minisine with every such thing as driver and no blue curtain to hide the fine view of the Garden City as you ride to work. No bad man will dare to hurt anyone employed by me and daddy, he will be too much frightened what daddy will do to him. Come and work for our fine company, investing, building new hangar in the gap between Pan African and Arik for the storage of many such things as spare part and for servicings on our Jumbolinos to make sure they are in tip-toppest condition.
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Old 25th Feb 2007, 15:20
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Bristow pulling out non-essentials....so much for Pee Wee and the Major I guess!

They will probably set at home on full pay due to the inconvenience.
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Old 26th Feb 2007, 08:11
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I just returned from a couple of weeks in North Africa.

One of my new colleagues, back at the main base to go on leave, was talking about his time in 'Guantanamo.' When I looked inquisitive he explained that this was an isolated desert camp surrounded by a berm topped with razor wire that you were not allowed to leave under any circumstances, even just to go across the adjacent airstrip, unless you had an armed escort.

Tours are 4 + 4 or 5 + 5, back-to-back, so that the expats (and the locals too) can hack the isolation. They have lots of satellite channels and a telephone, plus, of course, internet access. Food is rated as good. Safety seems to have top priority with each camp having its own (ex-Legion or SAS) advisor living on-site.

I was told that when attacks do occur the attackers are hunted down and killed to the last man. That sounds good to me! Of course they are out there in a very open landscape. It's nothing like just melting into a crowd of people who look just the same as you do.

Even so, it would seem that the bad guys do occasionally manage a classical guerrilla raid, when there are lots of them against not quite so many security forces. Great if you really wanted your name in the papers, not so good if you had made some careful retirement plans.

All in all, much, much better than Nigeria.
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Old 4th Mar 2007, 20:28
  #1707 (permalink)  

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etienne,

You flatter me. Oh yeah. But I won't answer because I would never contradict an expert I am just not worthy

Chuks,

From what you write it's nice where you are, many congrats I hope the cost of the licence was worth it (I'm pretty sure it was !!).

NEO
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Old 5th Mar 2007, 06:00
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It is a case of 'so far, so good,' since I have only got started with my new job. There may be some unpleasant surprises waiting for me; you never know. I wouldn't want to tempt fate by bragging about my luck relative to you guys still in Nigeria.

At least though, you can take this as proof that, yes, there is life outside Nigeria. I think many of us, after years there, lose perspective and imagination and can only think about life and work in that one 'home away from home.' It might be worth taking a chance and trying something different.

I miss the money, of course, but the level of stress in my life has gone way down; these two things seem to balance each other.
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Old 8th Mar 2007, 06:39
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Danger Mend Issues Final Warning To Expats In Delta

As the Presidential elections get even closer, MEND has issued a further threat to expatriates working in the Niger Delta:

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has renewed its threats to deal with foreigners found within the region, warning them to leave the area or risk being kidnapped.

According to the militants, who said they were launching an operation code-named ‘Operation Tsunami,’no foreigner would be spared within the geographical area, adding that this is the final warning for foreigners.

A statement from the MEND said: "To all foreign oil companies, leave our land or die in it. There is no need for repetition, because you all know our capabilities."

The statement said foreign oil workers, who had refused to adhere to the warning would be sacrificed to the Egbesu god, adding that, "on the other hand, if you choose not to heed this warning, then get yourselves armed, as you will all be treated as active combatants when we meet at the various points of your thievery of our God gift.

"This operation will be carried out in such a way that all foreigners found within the geographical entity known as the Niger Delta will be whisked away without hesitation. This is our final warning to all the foreign scoundrels, hounding our bounds of bountiful fountains of wealth, to realize that our stealth will ensure that they are sacrificed on the altars of our gods as demanded.

"We will not hesitate for a second to sacrifice all you conspirators to the supreme Egbesu for your glaring rape of our grapes. Today marks the day that we order you thieves for the umpteenth time, to leave our territory or opt for the massacre you are about to be victims of. All foreign nationals found in our territory from henceforth will be treated as agents of the Neo Colonists ever ready to foment trouble and impoverish the blessed people of the Niger Delta," the group stated.
The organization also accused the Federal Government of sponsoring a group of renegades to wage war against it, warning that the move will fail.
We all need to be extra vigilant over the next few weeks. Even if MEND doesn't carry out this threat this time, they seem to be building up to some new atrocity before the election. The sad and outrageous thing is that it's likely that some of the politicians involved in the elections are probably behind it all and financing the whole thing
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Old 8th Mar 2007, 11:41
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"The sad and outrageous thing is that it's likely that some of the politicians involved in the elections are probably behind it all and financing the whole thing "

And there, I believe is the crux of the whole problem. If the chieftainship changes drastically then a lot of bunkering experts may well find themselves at best cut off from their supplies or possibly as catfish food.

"This is our final warning to all the foreign scoundrels, hounding our bounds of bountiful fountains of wealth"

Yet it is the very expats who are helping get their supplies out of the ground for them to steal that are being targetted.

GO FIGURE!

Pretty flowery, if archaic, language used. That was always one of the things I enjoyed about the local press. They must have all had Shakespeare's english teacher when they went to school.
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Old 8th Mar 2007, 12:39
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Now hang on folks.....MEND specified "scoundrels" as being the target of choice and not just anyone.

Perhaps some covert contact can be made to determine exactly what they accept as being qualified to be described as being a "Scoundrel"....perhaps only a few are intended targets according to their new Rules of Engagement.

Keep an eye out for some pocket sized yellow cards....perhaps dropped by a MEND Storm Trooper during a combat action.
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Old 8th Mar 2007, 14:51
  #1712 (permalink)  

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I can think of a few people who'd better watch their backs.............. But MEND's idea of a scoundrel may be different from mine

NEO
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Old 8th Mar 2007, 16:10
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NEO,

You reckon an investment in some Kiwi Camo and native dress would help make you less conspicuous in the crowd?
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Old 9th Mar 2007, 18:13
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I don't remember ever meeting a Delta indigene who spoke Cockney, Mockney or whatever that remarkable accent is so that I don't think camouflage is going to help much in his case. Well, only until he should speak up about something or other; this should give him about 30 seconds to do an Escape and Evade number, I reckon.

Or if he were able to keep quiet (a real first) then all the bad guys would have to do is yell, 'Oi! You!' and watch to see who turns around. If that didn't work then 'Hey Bubba!' should do nicely.

I was told once, during a brief return to Miami, that some of my previous customers were under the curious misapprehension that I had been associated in some way with the Drug Enforcement Agency. I took that as my cue to hit the road. Here some of what we read from the masterminds of MEND might hint at a similar option re: working in Nigeria.

In other words, is it worth arguing about such things as the rights and wrongs of oil extraction with someone who chooses violence as an option?

I have a feeling that these people might not enjoy being bested in an full and frank exchange of opinions, just judging from what they have allegedly written so far. When you look at what they do to the English language, just think what they might do to you. It would have to be pretty ugly, just judging by the grammar. In my case they could just tie me to a chair and read some of these news releases to me, after which I should be putty in their hands.
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Old 10th Mar 2007, 23:13
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Thumbs down Caverton Again

Oh Boy,
Caverton is advertising in Flight again, for Twin Otter and AW139 pilots for yet another expansion - how many is that now? Let's see from 1 109 to that plus a Dauphin, then a 350, then another Dauphin, then another 350, then just a 109 and 2 350s, now just 2 350s. Not to mention their hugely successful venture into fixed wing with the Let 410 . I expect cavertonmanagement will be back here looking for S92 pilots and 747 pilots again. They must have the largest pilot turnover in relation to their size of any company in Nigeria - wonder why?
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Old 10th Mar 2007, 23:28
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I just love the way their website has photos of all the helicopters they don't even operate any more. The pride of the fleet seems to be the A109E, which they sold months ago. Maybe that tells you more about what they're like than anything. Must send in my application as I've got a CPL
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Old 11th Mar 2007, 03:14
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Aw Right!

Now where did I put that green licence, the one from Nigeria with the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) in Part One?

Anyone here able to tell me about pay and conditions? Do they do 6 + 6 and do I get a company car and a luxury flat in Ikoyi?

So this would be to Bonny Airstrip, I suppose. Wait a minute. Isn't that in the Niger Delta? So things are okay there now? Well, what with all I have read about Caverton here I am sure they must be using a top security firm to sort out any possible problems that might arise.
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Old 11th Mar 2007, 06:49
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MamaP,
Not 2 350 but down to 1 350, the only serviceable helicopter in their fleet is the latest Blue 350. The 'MTN' Yellow has long been grounded! What do you expect from the 10minutes shuttle flights with more than twenty cycles per day in less than two hours flight time! Roasted Engines! The hangar 'queen'- Red Dauphin, is waiting for Sunny after his recurrency to be flown. Has anyone been to CW of recent? the Southern Airline helicopters have turned to rodent den! I hope sunny will not bring the same 'luck' to Caverton at this rate. Since he got there things have gone to worst. I learnt his office has been burgled twice in six month in center of exellence. No national helicopter is willing to join Caverton for now as long as the DOO is there. Best of luck to Caverton.
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Old 11th Mar 2007, 12:58
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Thumbs up Is A Lie!

Mr Chuks,

You are welcome. You don't mention if you have the 3500 hours P1 on DH6 necessary for all those who are to be welcomed to the Center of Excellence. Please note that we frown on logbook entries in pencil. If you send me your logbook and details of your bank account I will return it to you with a small deduction from your account to cover our administration expenses and postage. This may seem mean, but actually should give you confidence that daddy and I have been to the toppest of universities where strict accounting dissipline is taught. The pay is as you'd expect from a world center of excellence with the foresight to be looking for crews even in advance of our expansion plans and it's expected all Twin Otter pilots will hold themselfs ready for conversion to A380, 744, and similar type to cope with our expanding shuttle operation. We shall soon be adding New york, Nareeta, Hamburg, Glasgow and Algiers to our shuttle destination in addition to Bonny. We have had some trouble with this former communist - I take it you are not a such person and you agree that Bonny is a long, wide, safe destination? Daddy and I went to look at it and can't understand what some of these pilots find to criticise, except if they are part of a global communist conspiracy to destablise our company and our glorious country.

Your luxury flat will be in Ikeja, where we have an establishment of the toppest luxury with such thing as borehole, generator and water in all rooms - but daddy says he will get that lazy plumber to sort that out very soon. There is such a huge salary that you will be amazed every month or so when it is arriving in your account, and the profit sharing means that every Christmas you will receive additional surprise. Of course there is company car and our Kia Rio limousine will take you to and from your work most days. Additionally we are paying $20 a week (or Naira equivalent) towards your domestic staff, transport and feeding arrangements. Daddy says that anyone who needs more than this don't know how to manage his finances properly and have no place in our company. The 6 + 6 is a given, because we are convinced that after 6 months on site you may need that 6 days of rest, despite all the dileights that will so make you want to stay on for longer. Naturally Bonny is in the Delta, but is on an island, so completely removed from all those troubles. Anyway daddy knows all these bad men can never hurt him, so you will be utterly safe. For this reason is no need of wasting money on extra security.

Is a lie, 2 of our Jumbolino were flying simultaneoulsy and at the same time ony some weeks ago. Naturally, being a center of excellence, we have to ensure that our hard working fleet is given some rest sometimes, but never is allowed to be nest of vermin. Jumbolino is only interim helicopter because of production line delay for our fleet of S92, AB139 and EC225. Daddy will soon be resolving all this problems because all the brown envelopes he posted never got there, so soon he will be making more journeys with brown suitcases. We are a modern go-ahed company which will not allow itself to be financially cripled by some of these strange American practise of integrity or whatsoever. No ones office have been burgled - is a lie. Our in house security continually monitor all senior management to make sure nothing is being thiefed from daddy or me and naturally this involves checking through personal and business space of all mamagers. Yet again good accounting practice shows through.

So, put all your worries aside at some of this distortions you see about the World Centre of Excellence and come and join us for this our newest and most successful venture. If you join your success is gauranteed - after all we have even paid money for advertisement in Flight magazine, just like any other top company. So, if you're a Cooperative team players capable of dealing with changing deadlines and priorities, Flexible with changing requirements regarding travel, work location and schedule, supportive of continual safety and quality improvement and Hold a valid passport, come and join the best now.

(Do you by any chance also have a pair of pointy shoes?)
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Old 11th Mar 2007, 18:52
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A marriage made in Heaven!

Let's see now, I have done Pan African (four times), Bristow (twice) and Aero (only once) plus a Lebanese gentleman whose name escapes me for about four months until the money stopped coming, so that working for Caverton should round out my sterling career nicely!

I have the hours, as many as you like. 3 500 did you say? Consider it done, squire! You want those IFR, VFR, Night or how?

The shoes, no problem. How pointy would you like? 'Leningrad Cowboys' pointy okay with you?

After Isolo I think Ikeja would do just fine, thanks.

Don't worry about that bank account number; I will fax you the cash for the fees, okay? You have a colour printer, I assume.

Waiting to hear from you 'any time from now.'
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