What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
That's it, I've snapped. I can handle a lot of other stuff, lazy governors, dim instrument lights, confrontational air traffic controllers, but this is the limit. I'm going on a crusade to rid helicopter pilots of poor English, starting with the word "irregardless". You guys from Indiana are excused for now, but be warned.
Malabo
From Wilkipedia:
The origin of irregardless is not known for certain, but the consensus among references is that it is a blend of irrespective and regardless, both of which are commonly accepted standard English words. By blending these words, an illogical word is created. "Since the prefix ir- means 'not' (as it does with irrespective), and the suffix -less means 'without,' irregardless is a double negative."[1]. (Cf. inflammable, flammable.)
Irregardless is primarily found in North America, most notably in Boston and surrounding areas, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, and was first acknowledged in 1912 by the Wentworth American Dialect Dictionary as originating from western Indiana. Barely a decade later, the usage dispute over irregardless was such that, in 1923, Literary Digest published an article entitled "Is There Such a Word as Irregardless in the English Language?"[2]
Malabo
From Wilkipedia:
The origin of irregardless is not known for certain, but the consensus among references is that it is a blend of irrespective and regardless, both of which are commonly accepted standard English words. By blending these words, an illogical word is created. "Since the prefix ir- means 'not' (as it does with irrespective), and the suffix -less means 'without,' irregardless is a double negative."[1]. (Cf. inflammable, flammable.)
Irregardless is primarily found in North America, most notably in Boston and surrounding areas, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, and was first acknowledged in 1912 by the Wentworth American Dialect Dictionary as originating from western Indiana. Barely a decade later, the usage dispute over irregardless was such that, in 1923, Literary Digest published an article entitled "Is There Such a Word as Irregardless in the English Language?"[2]
Last edited by malabo; 5th Jul 2007 at 01:15. Reason: humbling grammar lesson from 212man
"I going on a crusade... "
Enjoy the crusade: I'm guessing it's 'imperfect', but past, present or future?
Enjoy the crusade: I'm guessing it's 'imperfect', but past, present or future?
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An End to the Relative Calm in the Delta
Yesterday, only hours after MEND announced that they would be ending their ceasefire in the Delta because of lack of consuktation with the new government, the Rig 2 was attacked. The swamp rig is close to the Soku gas plant in the swamps west of Port Harcourt. The attack also coincided with Shell's announcement that it was resuming operations in the swamp areas. Up to 7 expatriates were taken hostage during the attack, one Nigerian worker was badly injured and one, sadly, killed.
This also came on shortly after new Nigerian Vice President Goodluck Jonathan tried to assure the diplomatic community that hostage-taking in the Niger Delta will soon become a thing of the past, especially with on-going peace initiatives by the Federal Government.
Jonathan said this when he received the Russian Federation Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Igor Melikhov, at the state House yesterday.
He added that government is also making efforts to ensure development of the region, because “we want to ensure that place is like a paradise in future."
Reiterating government's commitment to ending the lingering problems in the area, he said the crisis has economically and politically affected not only the region, but the country as a whole
"Nobody is happy about the situation. Even state governors are embarrassed by the situation, this is why I have embarked on series of peace missions to the region in the last few days, and I believe very soon, there will be a resolution," he said.
Don't hold yer breath
This also came on shortly after new Nigerian Vice President Goodluck Jonathan tried to assure the diplomatic community that hostage-taking in the Niger Delta will soon become a thing of the past, especially with on-going peace initiatives by the Federal Government.
Jonathan said this when he received the Russian Federation Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Igor Melikhov, at the state House yesterday.
He added that government is also making efforts to ensure development of the region, because “we want to ensure that place is like a paradise in future."
Reiterating government's commitment to ending the lingering problems in the area, he said the crisis has economically and politically affected not only the region, but the country as a whole
"Nobody is happy about the situation. Even state governors are embarrassed by the situation, this is why I have embarked on series of peace missions to the region in the last few days, and I believe very soon, there will be a resolution," he said.
Don't hold yer breath
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Did someone say "Crusade"?
Sign me up! I used to get out my C.O.D. (Concise Oxford Dictionary, purchased from a "When I" who had been issued it by the very Royal Air Force), fire up my word processor and write sort of counter-memos for the bulletin board.
At one time I even reeled in Captain Wahallah-Belly. He had written a three-page, single-spaced screed to Redhill Management and all the ships at sea, complaining about a cod memo re: tuning of satellite channels at the BRC, not realising that it was a complete spoof. Not even the bit where we had voted by grunting and waving our hands tipped him off. Unfortunately wiser counsel told him that he might not want to hand that one in, when he retreated to try and think things over.
Aviation is a target-rich environment for crusaders against big words that mean nothing. On the other hand, crusaders usually never rise above being line-slime, so you have been warned!
At one time I even reeled in Captain Wahallah-Belly. He had written a three-page, single-spaced screed to Redhill Management and all the ships at sea, complaining about a cod memo re: tuning of satellite channels at the BRC, not realising that it was a complete spoof. Not even the bit where we had voted by grunting and waving our hands tipped him off. Unfortunately wiser counsel told him that he might not want to hand that one in, when he retreated to try and think things over.
Aviation is a target-rich environment for crusaders against big words that mean nothing. On the other hand, crusaders usually never rise above being line-slime, so you have been warned!
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New Low in Nigeria as Children are Kidnapped
Sadly, today saw the kidnapping of a 3 year old child (at least the third child to have been kidnapped lately), when Margaret Hill, the three-year old daughter of the manager of Lonestar Drilling, was kidnapped from a car by at least 5 gunmen in Port Harcourt. The unfeeling brutality of these thugs is beyond belief and if the new government is to have the faintest modicum of credibility as the first force for change in this country since independence, they will have to react rapidly and forcefully to show that such acts will never be tolerated and will be severely punished. Anything less will surely show that Nigeria has already passed the point of no return in a spiral of anarchy and complete moral and physical decay 
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The kidnappers of Margaret Hill have sunk to new lows. They have announced that she will be murdered unless her father takes her place. The people who have done this are not freedom fighters, they are not deprived people rrying to get a better deal - they are depraved, criminals and so far there has been silence from the Nigerian government
Mama,
At the risk of sounding crass, cold, and depraved......the easy target is the one that gets attacked not the hard target.
In light of the on-going violence and the Embassy warnings....some blame best be allocated to anyone that would keep their family in Nigeria and place them at risk by doing so.
Yes...the kidnappers/terrorists are to be condemned for their vile methods but one must accept the best defense is by reduction of exposure.
When will Ex-pats figure out the right course of action is to send their loved ones out of the country?
Let's all pray for the safe release of the young girl and that the kidnappers find themselves taking an eternal dirt nap for their evil deed.
Why is it I find some sad pleasure from knowing the father will now have to place himself in his daughter's shoes.....somehow it seems there is some justice in this situation. If I found myself in this sad position I would gladly and without reservation submit to an exchange for my daughter. Let's hope he does the same.
However, I doubt they really want the exchange to take place.....as sadly the daughter is worth far more than one more Oil Field Hand.
At the risk of sounding crass, cold, and depraved......the easy target is the one that gets attacked not the hard target.
In light of the on-going violence and the Embassy warnings....some blame best be allocated to anyone that would keep their family in Nigeria and place them at risk by doing so.
Yes...the kidnappers/terrorists are to be condemned for their vile methods but one must accept the best defense is by reduction of exposure.
When will Ex-pats figure out the right course of action is to send their loved ones out of the country?
Let's all pray for the safe release of the young girl and that the kidnappers find themselves taking an eternal dirt nap for their evil deed.
Why is it I find some sad pleasure from knowing the father will now have to place himself in his daughter's shoes.....somehow it seems there is some justice in this situation. If I found myself in this sad position I would gladly and without reservation submit to an exchange for my daughter. Let's hope he does the same.
However, I doubt they really want the exchange to take place.....as sadly the daughter is worth far more than one more Oil Field Hand.
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SAS,
Naturally you are correct in your statement that the easy target is normally the one which is attacked, which is why so many expats now drive around in escorted armed convoys.
Many of the expats here have sent their loved ones out of the country, but it's not so easy when your loved one is a Nigerian. European and American embassies still make it very difficult even for a legally married partner to get a settlement or long-stay visa and many of those here who are married to Nigerian partners have no option but to step up their security as best they can and just brave it out in the hopes that things will get better
It's also entirely possible that the kidnappers asked for the father so that they could kidnap him as well as his daughter. By the way, he's not just a field hand, he's a consultant for Lonestar Drilling and part owner of a karaoke bar which, until a number of expatriates were kidnapped from there last year, was one of the most popular expatriate bars in Port Harcourt.
Naturally you are correct in your statement that the easy target is normally the one which is attacked, which is why so many expats now drive around in escorted armed convoys.
Many of the expats here have sent their loved ones out of the country, but it's not so easy when your loved one is a Nigerian. European and American embassies still make it very difficult even for a legally married partner to get a settlement or long-stay visa and many of those here who are married to Nigerian partners have no option but to step up their security as best they can and just brave it out in the hopes that things will get better
It's also entirely possible that the kidnappers asked for the father so that they could kidnap him as well as his daughter. By the way, he's not just a field hand, he's a consultant for Lonestar Drilling and part owner of a karaoke bar which, until a number of expatriates were kidnapped from there last year, was one of the most popular expatriate bars in Port Harcourt.
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B206/407 in Nigeria
Hi,
I am going to join Bristow in Nigeria as a pilot on 206/407. Does anybody know where they are based? And what ist the living like?
Thanks for all answers.
I am going to join Bristow in Nigeria as a pilot on 206/407. Does anybody know where they are based? And what ist the living like?
Thanks for all answers.
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Mmmmmm.....
CRIPES ....
I would have thought you might have asked Bristows that question when you did your interview???????
(Escravos maybe???)
CRIPES ....
I would have thought you might have asked Bristows that question when you did your interview???????
(Escravos maybe???)
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407s Escravos
Heliac,
The only place the 206/407s are operated is Escravos. This is a Chevron base on the coast to the West of Warri (about half way betwen Lagos and Port Harcourt). It's a closed camp with an airstrip, oil terminal and the living quarters. The rooms are comfortable, all food is provided and there's internet at the hangar. The base is well protected and although it has been invaded a few times, security has now been stepped up. If you have a mobile phone you can get a Nigerian sim card for it to make calls home or use Skype on your lap top. The Escravos roster is 28/28 and you'll normally fly to your 100 hour flight limit inside of your 28 days on. You get accommodated for a night in Lagos on your way in and out (depending on which airline you fly with) and flights to Escravos are by Dash 8 operated by AeroContractors (a partner of CHC, so good standards and well maintained). The helicopters in Escravos are well maintained and there's a good bunch of guys to work with there. I hope you enjoy it
The only place the 206/407s are operated is Escravos. This is a Chevron base on the coast to the West of Warri (about half way betwen Lagos and Port Harcourt). It's a closed camp with an airstrip, oil terminal and the living quarters. The rooms are comfortable, all food is provided and there's internet at the hangar. The base is well protected and although it has been invaded a few times, security has now been stepped up. If you have a mobile phone you can get a Nigerian sim card for it to make calls home or use Skype on your lap top. The Escravos roster is 28/28 and you'll normally fly to your 100 hour flight limit inside of your 28 days on. You get accommodated for a night in Lagos on your way in and out (depending on which airline you fly with) and flights to Escravos are by Dash 8 operated by AeroContractors (a partner of CHC, so good standards and well maintained). The helicopters in Escravos are well maintained and there's a good bunch of guys to work with there. I hope you enjoy it
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Ahhhhhh Yes,
I have many Ex-Workmates currently flying them out of Eket ... prob end up there myself ???????
Cripes ...that'd be hard on the liver!
I have many Ex-Workmates currently flying them out of Eket ... prob end up there myself ???????
Cripes ...that'd be hard on the liver!
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Sudan
Hi all.
I have just been asked if I would be able to do a 6 week tour in Sudan in between my two current jobs.
As the details are a bit thin on what the job is exactly, I am trying to do some homework.
Is anyone flying there? Or have flown there? And how safe is it? What sort of pay would you expect from a tour like that? ETC ETC.
Thanks for any help fulla's.
Cheers
Hughesy
Update: Thanks flungdung, but i thought it would save starting a whole new thread...like the numerous training ones!
I have just been asked if I would be able to do a 6 week tour in Sudan in between my two current jobs.
As the details are a bit thin on what the job is exactly, I am trying to do some homework.
Is anyone flying there? Or have flown there? And how safe is it? What sort of pay would you expect from a tour like that? ETC ETC.
Thanks for any help fulla's.
Cheers
Hughesy
Update: Thanks flungdung, but i thought it would save starting a whole new thread...like the numerous training ones!
Last edited by Hughesy; 9th Jul 2007 at 17:45.
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Niger Delta, New Warning from British Foreign Office
Following further kidnappings in south eastern Nigeria the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all travel to the Niger Delta and to all riverine areas of Cross River State:
Despite the hopes of many that a new government would see the start of a cutback in violence in the region, the only positive event so far was the release of 3 year-old Margaret Hill, and this probably after pressure from MEND and other political militant groups. The problem is that there are now so many disaffected violent individuals and groups who have been armed by crooked politicians that the kidnapping will be extremely difficult without a complete change of attitude by the government and firm action to stamp it out. There has been no sign of this so far, with only the usual barrage of words and little action. Within the last week there have been evacuations of locations to the west of Port Harcourt around Nembe Creek and Nembe and the Calabar River, close to the coast. Shell is still showing no signs of allowing expatriate families to return and indeed is still reducing the number of expatriates from its Warri base.
CHC's operations director recently visited Port Harcourt in an effort to stop even more pilots walking, but he's reknowned for making promises to put out the fire and then only fulfilling in part, especially when IR and K2 get involved (those 2 are responsible for a lot of the discontent being felt by all expatriate staff in PH).
Brsitow staff are still waiting to hear details of their July pay review, but if last year is anything to go by, there will be no general announcement (Danny's no communicator
) and the bad news about expectations yet again being dashed will probably be accompanied by a number of the few staff still on 8/4 or 5/1 changing to 6/6 contracts.
With large expansions now starting in former Soviet states, where the money is only marginally lower than in Nigeria and lack of security is not nearly as bad it will be even more difficult for CHC or Bristow to persuade new crews to go to Nigeria. Staff already in Nigeria are also finding it very difficult, if not impossible, to get transfers out (thus adding to the reasons not to go to Nigeria with either company).
It really is a jungle out here (or actually, it's a swamp)
The Foreign Office previously warned against travel to the Niger Delta.
A British and a Bulgarian citizen were kidnapped by armed men in speedboats who attacked a barge belonging to Nigerian oil company Manipolu, a day after three other foreigners were snatched in the area, the latest in a string of abductions of dozens of foreigners in recent months.
The Foreign Office said 33 British nationals and more 180 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area and one Briton has been killed since Jan 2006.
Statement Summary...
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Terrorism/Security section). We now advise against all travel to riverine areas of Cross River State.
We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta (Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, including Port Harcourt) and to riverine areas of Cross River State. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas. In 17 separate incidents since January 2006, 33 British nationals and over 180 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area and one Briton has been killed. On 8 July 2007 a British national was one of two foreign nationals abducted from a vessel in a riverine location in Cross River State. See the Terrorism/Security section of this travel advice for more details.
We advise that the security situation in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States makes them unsafe for British nationals. We therefore advise British nationals to leave. If you stay, you do so at your own risk and should take professional security advice. The level of consular assistance we can provide is limited.
We advise against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, observe the strictest security measures and not travel unnecessarily. If travelling by road you should use fully protected transport. Six Russian nationals were abducted from a compound in Akwa Ibom State on 3 June 2007.
The high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta applies also to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta. In 2007 there has been an increase in attacks offshore.
There is also a risk of kidnapping in other States in south-east Nigeria. On 17 March 2007, two Chinese nationals were abducted at Nnewi, Anambra State. A British national was one of two foreign nationals abducted from a vessel in a riverine area of Cross River State on 8 July. See the Terrorism/Security section of this travel advice for more details.
A British and a Bulgarian citizen were kidnapped by armed men in speedboats who attacked a barge belonging to Nigerian oil company Manipolu, a day after three other foreigners were snatched in the area, the latest in a string of abductions of dozens of foreigners in recent months.
The Foreign Office said 33 British nationals and more 180 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area and one Briton has been killed since Jan 2006.
Statement Summary...
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Terrorism/Security section). We now advise against all travel to riverine areas of Cross River State.
We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta (Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, including Port Harcourt) and to riverine areas of Cross River State. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas. In 17 separate incidents since January 2006, 33 British nationals and over 180 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area and one Briton has been killed. On 8 July 2007 a British national was one of two foreign nationals abducted from a vessel in a riverine location in Cross River State. See the Terrorism/Security section of this travel advice for more details.
We advise that the security situation in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States makes them unsafe for British nationals. We therefore advise British nationals to leave. If you stay, you do so at your own risk and should take professional security advice. The level of consular assistance we can provide is limited.
We advise against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, observe the strictest security measures and not travel unnecessarily. If travelling by road you should use fully protected transport. Six Russian nationals were abducted from a compound in Akwa Ibom State on 3 June 2007.
The high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta applies also to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta. In 2007 there has been an increase in attacks offshore.
There is also a risk of kidnapping in other States in south-east Nigeria. On 17 March 2007, two Chinese nationals were abducted at Nnewi, Anambra State. A British national was one of two foreign nationals abducted from a vessel in a riverine area of Cross River State on 8 July. See the Terrorism/Security section of this travel advice for more details.
CHC's operations director recently visited Port Harcourt in an effort to stop even more pilots walking, but he's reknowned for making promises to put out the fire and then only fulfilling in part, especially when IR and K2 get involved (those 2 are responsible for a lot of the discontent being felt by all expatriate staff in PH).
Brsitow staff are still waiting to hear details of their July pay review, but if last year is anything to go by, there will be no general announcement (Danny's no communicator
) and the bad news about expectations yet again being dashed will probably be accompanied by a number of the few staff still on 8/4 or 5/1 changing to 6/6 contracts.With large expansions now starting in former Soviet states, where the money is only marginally lower than in Nigeria and lack of security is not nearly as bad it will be even more difficult for CHC or Bristow to persuade new crews to go to Nigeria. Staff already in Nigeria are also finding it very difficult, if not impossible, to get transfers out (thus adding to the reasons not to go to Nigeria with either company).
It really is a jungle out here (or actually, it's a swamp
)
Our very own Chuks caught on video!
A confidential source posted this video and alluded to the fact it was in fact our dear mate Chuks at the helm.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=e38_1183245367
Knowing first hand of Chuks adroit handling skills....well they say seeing is believing.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=e38_1183245367
Knowing first hand of Chuks adroit handling skills....well they say seeing is believing.
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Gimme a break!
Haven't you ever heard of the requirements for recurrency, "three take-offs and landings within the last 90 days?" Well, this is how you do it when you are in a hurry.
I once had my post-flight paperwork interrupted by a young man standing outside the Dornier, staring at me through the little "whiskey hatch." You know that "eyes on the back of your neck" feeling... I went "eyes left" and there was this guy just staring at me.
I raised my eyebrows in polite inquiry, when he said, "That was not a good landing." (Actually, I think it was the FO's landing but never mind.)
I told him, very politely, that he must be new here.
"Why is that?"
"Well, otherwise you would know that when I do a really bad landing they have to change the broken light bulbs in the airport cafe. This one was really nice by my standards."
"Well, that was still not a good landing."
"Okay. Thank you for that. Is there anything else?" No answer came so that I went back to filling out the tech log and when I looked again he was gone.
Actually I had a mad impulse to ask him to come up real close to the hatch and then do that Three Stooges thing where you stick two fingers in his eyes, but I had already upset the Chief Pilot once that week and I figured I had better just ride this one out.
I thought this was for helicopter pilots, so why are we seeing pictures of proper aircraft? God knows there are enough embarrassing videos of helicopters doing lousy landings so that I would suggest not picking on me!
I once had my post-flight paperwork interrupted by a young man standing outside the Dornier, staring at me through the little "whiskey hatch." You know that "eyes on the back of your neck" feeling... I went "eyes left" and there was this guy just staring at me.
I raised my eyebrows in polite inquiry, when he said, "That was not a good landing." (Actually, I think it was the FO's landing but never mind.)
I told him, very politely, that he must be new here.
"Why is that?"
"Well, otherwise you would know that when I do a really bad landing they have to change the broken light bulbs in the airport cafe. This one was really nice by my standards."
"Well, that was still not a good landing."
"Okay. Thank you for that. Is there anything else?" No answer came so that I went back to filling out the tech log and when I looked again he was gone.
Actually I had a mad impulse to ask him to come up real close to the hatch and then do that Three Stooges thing where you stick two fingers in his eyes, but I had already upset the Chief Pilot once that week and I figured I had better just ride this one out.
I thought this was for helicopter pilots, so why are we seeing pictures of proper aircraft? God knows there are enough embarrassing videos of helicopters doing lousy landings so that I would suggest not picking on me!
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chuks,
You could probably get a job freelancing for Shell on their Dornier in Nigeria right now. Bristow are refusing to fly for them until they pay the substantial sum now outstanding. Could be interesting times ahead.
You could probably get a job freelancing for Shell on their Dornier in Nigeria right now. Bristow are refusing to fly for them until they pay the substantial sum now outstanding. Could be interesting times ahead.
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Hmmm....
Tokunbo, it sounds as if you know something they must have forgotten to mention to me. There had been some rumours floating around about owings years ago; do tell us what you know now. After all, this is a rumour site!
Back when, there was a small scandal brewing. Well, a big scandal involving a small person and his houseboy. I returned one day to tell one of his fellow admirers that there was a fresh rumour out (one I had just made up on the spur of the moment, but never mind that now).
"You heard about how he plied him with 'hot drinks,' yes?"
"Yes, yes...."
"And you heard about how he threatened him with a revolver, yes?"
"Yes, yes! Come on, come on! What is the latest-latest?"
"It wasn't a revolver...."
"Okay, okay, so what was it?"
"It was a... samurai sword!"
"Oh God! I love it! Wait, I gotta call everybody!"
I just cannot wait to get back! Here, when I tell people that I often think that people are talking behind my back, that just marks me as a weirdo. Back in Nigeria, in our little circle of ex-pats, that just means I know what's going on.
Back when, there was a small scandal brewing. Well, a big scandal involving a small person and his houseboy. I returned one day to tell one of his fellow admirers that there was a fresh rumour out (one I had just made up on the spur of the moment, but never mind that now).
"You heard about how he plied him with 'hot drinks,' yes?"
"Yes, yes...."
"And you heard about how he threatened him with a revolver, yes?"
"Yes, yes! Come on, come on! What is the latest-latest?"
"It wasn't a revolver...."
"Okay, okay, so what was it?"
"It was a... samurai sword!"
"Oh God! I love it! Wait, I gotta call everybody!"
I just cannot wait to get back! Here, when I tell people that I often think that people are talking behind my back, that just marks me as a weirdo. Back in Nigeria, in our little circle of ex-pats, that just means I know what's going on.