What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Pierre et Miquelon
Age: 68
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Lagos, Escravos, Warri, Port Harcourt or Eket?
Cougar,
Depends which area you're looking at and whether you're considering Bristow or CHC. Could post some pictures of all the dead policemen killed in the shoot-out in front of the Agip hangar in Port Harcourt this year. However, it would be in bad taste and the mods may not like to see them posted here. Give us some more information if you can. What's made you so desperate to come and join the rest of the no-hopers, divorced, divorcing, alkies here in the tropical paradise?
Depends which area you're looking at and whether you're considering Bristow or CHC. Could post some pictures of all the dead policemen killed in the shoot-out in front of the Agip hangar in Port Harcourt this year. However, it would be in bad taste and the mods may not like to see them posted here. Give us some more information if you can. What's made you so desperate to come and join the rest of the no-hopers, divorced, divorcing, alkies here in the tropical paradise?
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Lagos lifestyle
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Lalaland
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S'right Cougar, you tell 'em. These old has-beens know nothing even after 10, 15, or 20 years here. How many of them have ever been attacked or hijacked. Load of bunkum, rumours, apocryphal stories. Our estates are, as you say, protected by the best security available. Many of our security operatives have received up to 2 weeks training and carry batons made of only finest African hardwoods. They have all signed contracts of employment so that in the event of running away when attacked or failing to confront an overwhelming force of heavily armed militants with their superb iroko batons, they may face severe disciplinary action.
There are rumours that Bristow or Aero have had helicopters threatened with hijack or actually getting hijacked, but these, of course, are the drunken delusions of a rag-bag collections of old lushes whose services we are anxious to dispense with once we can persuade enough people to come here. We have every confidence that with our new superb local allowance which amounts to around 10 ponds in hard sterling for food, for every day you spend on site, we will soon be in a position to turn people away - such will be the demand.
There are rumours that Bristow or Aero have had helicopters threatened with hijack or actually getting hijacked, but these, of course, are the drunken delusions of a rag-bag collections of old lushes whose services we are anxious to dispense with once we can persuade enough people to come here. We have every confidence that with our new superb local allowance which amounts to around 10 ponds in hard sterling for food, for every day you spend on site, we will soon be in a position to turn people away - such will be the demand.
Join Date: Apr 2006
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Wow - 10 ponds of money........that sounds good, are they as big as the one in my mum's garden? where do I sign - or is there something fishy about the deal, could be a bit of a lame duck offer......perhaps if we weed out the facts the truth will filter through....
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: here and there
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Lifestyle in the Delta
According to an article in yesterdays newspaper, the lifestyle of those militants is much the same as that of helicopter pilots.
"...Vanguard was informed that many of the militants love women and they keep concubines in different hotels, where they drink to stupor with the ransom they collect. They usually avoid their homes and live a flamboyant life."
"...Vanguard was informed that many of the militants love women and they keep concubines in different hotels, where they drink to stupor with the ransom they collect. They usually avoid their homes and live a flamboyant life."
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Nigerian Lifestyle
Hi to all, 
Being a newbie here, i really cant comment much as i have not been to this part of the world but to stay on the sidelines. After reading all the posts here, perhaps i can offer a fresh view as a 3rd party based on my observations.
Firstly, the abductions, kidnapping, attacks, killings etc are the affairs of the country/state beyond the control of companies, management or employees.
However, the safety and welfare of the employees IMHO is within the control of the company/management as in the safety and well being of the passengers lies with the crew and state of the aircraft with the maintenance personnel. Basic needs like accomodation and facilities can be better improved for all especially in a place where personal security cannot be guaranteed. This is within the control of management where it can make a huge difference.
That being said, striving to achieve a relationship based on trust and respect between all should be a common goal towards the health and wealth of the company where all have a part to play. It should not be forgotten that, those that have been there 10, 15 or 20 years there contributed towards the existence of operations there. These are the very guys that break-in and showed the ropes to newbies (hopefully myself included if offered a job) for the continued operations for years to come...understand that there soon will be or already is a worldwide shortage of a highly skilled profession - "Helicopter Pilots" where the cost of getting a licence/rating is ever increasing.
With the rising cost coupled with the marginal increases in salaries, its no wonder why most would opt for an airline career. Its just a matter of time where suitably qualified experienced Helicopter Pilots will fall in the same category as the endangered species.
I was told that with happy and contended employees, turnover would be low, effective and efficient operations with high production...something like that. In summary, everyone benefit$ - is this really the case as i might be awfully wrongly mis-informed.
bristowmanagement -
I assume you are management. Heard some rumours on this thread and seek clarification.
1.Are there helicopters sitting on the ramp due to shortage of crew?
2.Other than the "new superb local allowance" which you mentioned, what else is on the cards as i am not too certain that this would be the one and only demand factor.
3.Understand that your employment door is open as you mentioned "once we can persuade enough people to come here". Would you be so kind as to elaborate persuasion? $$$
4.Could i be given the opportunity to be persuaded.
Being a newbie here, i really cant comment much as i have not been to this part of the world but to stay on the sidelines. After reading all the posts here, perhaps i can offer a fresh view as a 3rd party based on my observations.
Firstly, the abductions, kidnapping, attacks, killings etc are the affairs of the country/state beyond the control of companies, management or employees.
However, the safety and welfare of the employees IMHO is within the control of the company/management as in the safety and well being of the passengers lies with the crew and state of the aircraft with the maintenance personnel. Basic needs like accomodation and facilities can be better improved for all especially in a place where personal security cannot be guaranteed. This is within the control of management where it can make a huge difference.
That being said, striving to achieve a relationship based on trust and respect between all should be a common goal towards the health and wealth of the company where all have a part to play. It should not be forgotten that, those that have been there 10, 15 or 20 years there contributed towards the existence of operations there. These are the very guys that break-in and showed the ropes to newbies (hopefully myself included if offered a job) for the continued operations for years to come...understand that there soon will be or already is a worldwide shortage of a highly skilled profession - "Helicopter Pilots" where the cost of getting a licence/rating is ever increasing.
With the rising cost coupled with the marginal increases in salaries, its no wonder why most would opt for an airline career. Its just a matter of time where suitably qualified experienced Helicopter Pilots will fall in the same category as the endangered species.
I was told that with happy and contended employees, turnover would be low, effective and efficient operations with high production...something like that. In summary, everyone benefit$ - is this really the case as i might be awfully wrongly mis-informed.
bristowmanagement -
I assume you are management. Heard some rumours on this thread and seek clarification.1.Are there helicopters sitting on the ramp due to shortage of crew?
2.Other than the "new superb local allowance" which you mentioned, what else is on the cards as i am not too certain that this would be the one and only demand factor.
3.Understand that your employment door is open as you mentioned "once we can persuade enough people to come here". Would you be so kind as to elaborate persuasion? $$$
4.Could i be given the opportunity to be persuaded.
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Aaah - fresh fish!
The one thing 'bristowmanagement isn't is a manger within Bristow. Its a sarcastic sort of nom de 419...
The truth is there are a hundred+ expat pilots with CHC & Bristow at any time. Many have worked there when things were particularly unpleasent before and will be so again. They are not all insane or the social misfits that some on this forum suggest.
The one thing 'bristowmanagement isn't is a manger within Bristow. Its a sarcastic sort of nom de 419...
The truth is there are a hundred+ expat pilots with CHC & Bristow at any time. Many have worked there when things were particularly unpleasent before and will be so again. They are not all insane or the social misfits that some on this forum suggest.
Ah, the wisdom of youth!
That being said, striving to achieve a relationship based on trust and respect between all should be a common goal towards the health and wealth of the company where all have a part to play.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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I still have fond memories when I thought that the company actually cared about my input and my welfare. At one time I actually believed that the company managment thought of us pilots as a resource to be nurtured and developed to the beterment of all. Alas, we are actually looked upon as just another piece of equipment to be pushed to the limit and only repaired if it was absolutely necessary for the financial survival of the company.
Nigeria and other lush destinations
Welcome to the human race!!! Do you think your government gives a c.
.p about your betterment or anybody elses?
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Speaking as genuine management, it's so refreshing to read the comments made by young Cougar77 about a a relationship based on trust and respect between all just as we have here. We have had a few helicopters down for a couple of weeks now, but this has nothing to do with any crew shortage. Being the diligent, caring, employers we are, we know that helicopters need a break from all that every day drudgery just like pilots. We're Canadian see? We have compassion for all, we like trees, same-sex marriages, Mounties, ice-hockey and maple syrup. So, we've just been giving some of our helicopters a nice holiday and we're absolutely sure that our client oil companies, knowing what lovely, kind, caring people we are won't mind if their helicopters take a small holiday - helicopters are people too.
It's this same compassion which leads us to ignore complaints from some people who have been here a long time and move to a location which will surely be the envy of all in years to come. We're so nice, we know that armed robbers and the like won't attack our estate - everyone knows, we're Canadians, everybody loves us. We're the nation of the Trudeaus, the Maple Leaf and everyting warm, fuzzy and lovely. We hate guns, love gays, hate Budweiser, love Moose Beer, hate war, love trees. Come and join us, we'd love to have you
It's this same compassion which leads us to ignore complaints from some people who have been here a long time and move to a location which will surely be the envy of all in years to come. We're so nice, we know that armed robbers and the like won't attack our estate - everyone knows, we're Canadians, everybody loves us. We're the nation of the Trudeaus, the Maple Leaf and everyting warm, fuzzy and lovely. We hate guns, love gays, hate Budweiser, love Moose Beer, hate war, love trees. Come and join us, we'd love to have you
Join Date: Aug 2006
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I would think that your not getting a response is in your favor. Now you no longer have to wonder as to why the company made you such a low-ball offer.
Remember, they are depending on getting newer guys with no experience in the region. That is the only way they can hold the cost down. Even if you only give them a year, it is still a year of not paying adequately for the conditions and security that exist in Nigeria.
If you go, make sure that your family is well covered by life insurance. Make sure that you have good health insurance and visit the CDC website and get all of the vaccinations that are recommended.
I hope that I am wrong, but I see things getting much worse over there before they get better. It is well within the range of probablility that one of "ours" becomes a hostage or worse within the next 6 months.
Be Careful over there...
Remember, they are depending on getting newer guys with no experience in the region. That is the only way they can hold the cost down. Even if you only give them a year, it is still a year of not paying adequately for the conditions and security that exist in Nigeria.
If you go, make sure that your family is well covered by life insurance. Make sure that you have good health insurance and visit the CDC website and get all of the vaccinations that are recommended.
I hope that I am wrong, but I see things getting much worse over there before they get better. It is well within the range of probablility that one of "ours" becomes a hostage or worse within the next 6 months.
Be Careful over there...
. Thought so 
Join Date: Apr 2005
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St. Louis?
Creaser, Dear Chap
Maybe you hit the wrong forum by mistake. Despite of what you may have read here, you won't lure anybody away from the lovely Niger Delta. Besides, the St. Louis grass doesn't appear to be much greener either...
Maybe you hit the wrong forum by mistake. Despite of what you may have read here, you won't lure anybody away from the lovely Niger Delta. Besides, the St. Louis grass doesn't appear to be much greener either...
Join Date: Dec 2003
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Please Mr Big OLOG Manager sir, we can't get enough pilots to go and work in Nigeria. They all want 6/6.
Well offer them 6/6 the same as CHC Mr Small Bristow Management Person.
We don't have enough pilots to do that MBOM.
Then hire more pilots MSBMP.
We'd like to sir but they won't join us unless we offer them 6/6.
Well offer ..............................
Any change in Bristow hiring policy in Nigeria?
Well offer them 6/6 the same as CHC Mr Small Bristow Management Person.
We don't have enough pilots to do that MBOM.
Then hire more pilots MSBMP.
We'd like to sir but they won't join us unless we offer them 6/6.
Well offer ..............................
Any change in Bristow hiring policy in Nigeria?
Join Date: Jun 2006
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7/5....you must be ****ting me!
Why would anyone joing Bristow on their 7/5 schedule when CHC is offering a 6/6 with better pay?
I talked to a guy a few days ago that went to Bristow a few weeks ago. He made his departure out of there rather quick. I believe he was there for less than a week. His main concern was the schedule,but also the living conditions at the compound where they are staying. My understanding was that if he is ever returning to Nigeria,it will be with CHC.
What kind of living quarters does CHC have to offer? What do they offer as a salary for a new guy in country?
I talked to a guy a few days ago that went to Bristow a few weeks ago. He made his departure out of there rather quick. I believe he was there for less than a week. His main concern was the schedule,but also the living conditions at the compound where they are staying. My understanding was that if he is ever returning to Nigeria,it will be with CHC.
What kind of living quarters does CHC have to offer? What do they offer as a salary for a new guy in country?