What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
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As a retired s76 pilot, and having coped with a number of problems myself over the years, including blade problems, after looking at these photographs, I cannot believe, that the crew really felt no vibrations and then, allegedly having pulled blowaway power on several occasions made no entry in the technical log until they were found out 
. What would have happened if the blade massacre had not occurred, would they have just said nothing until the next time the VXP was downloaded and they were exposed or a fatal accident occurred? . Did they really get a commendation? I haven't been in Nigeria for a few years now, but I know that if I were the next pilot of an aircraft where i discovered that the crew had made no entry of a significant problem in the tech log, I'd have followed the advice of one poster and taken the pilot around the back of the hangar for retraining with the trusty Balisong I always carried in my nav bag (he may have had a squeaky voice after, but he'd never again tried to fcuk over a fellow aviator 
). Did he really land on a rig, take on new passengers and then fly back? Whether he did or not, was an accident or incident report filed? Have any of the passengers commented? What does the client oil company have to say?
Over the years too many things have been swept in the carpet in Nigeria. Where is the report as to what really happened to Monty Hartley in 1998 in the Bell 212 crash near Onne? Was anyone ever prosecuted? What really happened to Mike and Eugene in BBS at Brass in December 2002? Is the wreckage still being hidden away at Agip? What really happened to the Pan African Bell 412 on a night call out (sorry, getting old and forgetful so I can't remember the names and dates any more, but I'm sure there are those who remember these things better than a young man like me
). What were the findings into the death of the pilot of 5N-BIQ at QIT last year? 
I thought for many years that Bristow was a fine company with excellent standards, but towards the end of my flying career when they seemed to be prepared to leave me out to dry still as a young man, I discovered that Schreiner, even though they paid a bit less, had better compassion and standards. How sad that they were taken over by a bunch of rapacious, arrogant amateurs like CHC. Bristow, from everything I hear, is now being managed by something akin to the CHC management and standards and morale are dropping like a barometer ahead of an approaching hurricane. That's why I'm so surprised after reading about Nabil and Mani having been brought in by the astute Ebru family, to get Aero back on its feet again before the arrogant, incompetent bunch of amateurs CHC brought in run the company into the ground aren't getting a better handle on this one. After all, these photos we're seeing are obviously from a disgruntled employee who obviously feels that CHC don't listen and wants to try and get a pretty serious instance of aircraft damage seen by the world at large. The crew reportedly getting a commendation after trying to pretend nothing had happened would do it for me too - we all admire someone who immediately owns up to something, even if it's not his fault, but someone who commits a terminological inexactitude when I may be flying that helicopter next, deserves a rapid appointment with a proctologist.
In their rush to demonstrate that they had nothing to learn from Schreiner, the tin gods of CHC like Brain Clegg got rid of the people who had made the company, like Mani and Nigel. The Ebrus, being far more astute, have brought nabil and Mani back to turn things around and give the company some credibility. Maybe it's time they looked again at NN? He may not have always been popular because he was always prepared to face unpopularity from clients and employees in his quest to set new higher standards. He was probably responsible more than anyone in Aero RW for having set a standard that was as good as anywhere in the world, and better than most. Sadly, he was replaced by a bêche-de-mer and despite the known fact that nudibranchs are not renowned for maintaining or advancing standards no matter how good their knowledge of the regulations or availability of new toys he has now fallen out with BC and is no longer with CHC. The fact that he may be available should surely make the likes of Koen and Nabil think again about what it is they need to make Aero the pre-eminent aviation company in Nigeria. Many years ago the French wine industry was almost devastated by Phylloxera. However, they discovered that by importing rootstocks and then grafting native vines on to them, they were able to overcome the plague. Maybe, just maybe, Nigel is the helicopter equivalent of an imported rootstock for Aero. Until certain fundamentals are dealt with, changes made and hard decisions taken, even with the Bristow problems of morale and pathetic American management, surely Aero will see its fortunes continue to decline in favour of others willing to bite the bullet and do what is needed to succeed
. What would have happened if the blade massacre had not occurred, would they have just said nothing until the next time the VXP was downloaded and they were exposed or a fatal accident occurred? . Did they really get a commendation? I haven't been in Nigeria for a few years now, but I know that if I were the next pilot of an aircraft where i discovered that the crew had made no entry of a significant problem in the tech log, I'd have followed the advice of one poster and taken the pilot around the back of the hangar for retraining with the trusty Balisong I always carried in my nav bag (he may have had a squeaky voice after, but he'd never again tried to fcuk over a fellow aviator ). Did he really land on a rig, take on new passengers and then fly back? Whether he did or not, was an accident or incident report filed? Have any of the passengers commented? What does the client oil company have to say?Over the years too many things have been swept in the carpet in Nigeria. Where is the report as to what really happened to Monty Hartley in 1998 in the Bell 212 crash near Onne? Was anyone ever prosecuted? What really happened to Mike and Eugene in BBS at Brass in December 2002? Is the wreckage still being hidden away at Agip? What really happened to the Pan African Bell 412 on a night call out (sorry, getting old and forgetful so I can't remember the names and dates any more, but I'm sure there are those who remember these things better than a young man like me
). What were the findings into the death of the pilot of 5N-BIQ at QIT last year? I thought for many years that Bristow was a fine company with excellent standards, but towards the end of my flying career when they seemed to be prepared to leave me out to dry still as a young man, I discovered that Schreiner, even though they paid a bit less, had better compassion and standards. How sad that they were taken over by a bunch of rapacious, arrogant amateurs like CHC. Bristow, from everything I hear, is now being managed by something akin to the CHC management and standards and morale are dropping like a barometer ahead of an approaching hurricane. That's why I'm so surprised after reading about Nabil and Mani having been brought in by the astute Ebru family, to get Aero back on its feet again before the arrogant, incompetent bunch of amateurs CHC brought in run the company into the ground aren't getting a better handle on this one. After all, these photos we're seeing are obviously from a disgruntled employee who obviously feels that CHC don't listen and wants to try and get a pretty serious instance of aircraft damage seen by the world at large. The crew reportedly getting a commendation after trying to pretend nothing had happened would do it for me too - we all admire someone who immediately owns up to something, even if it's not his fault, but someone who commits a terminological inexactitude when I may be flying that helicopter next, deserves a rapid appointment with a proctologist
.In their rush to demonstrate that they had nothing to learn from Schreiner, the tin gods of CHC like Brain Clegg got rid of the people who had made the company, like Mani and Nigel. The Ebrus, being far more astute, have brought nabil and Mani back to turn things around and give the company some credibility. Maybe it's time they looked again at NN? He may not have always been popular because he was always prepared to face unpopularity from clients and employees in his quest to set new higher standards. He was probably responsible more than anyone in Aero RW for having set a standard that was as good as anywhere in the world, and better than most. Sadly, he was replaced by a bêche-de-mer and despite the known fact that nudibranchs are not renowned for maintaining or advancing standards no matter how good their knowledge of the regulations or availability of new toys he has now fallen out with BC and is no longer with CHC. The fact that he may be available should surely make the likes of Koen and Nabil think again about what it is they need to make Aero the pre-eminent aviation company in Nigeria. Many years ago the French wine industry was almost devastated by Phylloxera. However, they discovered that by importing rootstocks and then grafting native vines on to them, they were able to overcome the plague. Maybe, just maybe, Nigel is the helicopter equivalent of an imported rootstock for Aero. Until certain fundamentals are dealt with, changes made and hard decisions taken, even with the Bristow problems of morale and pathetic American management, surely Aero will see its fortunes continue to decline in favour of others willing to bite the bullet and do what is needed to succeed
Last edited by Mama Mangrove; 9th Oct 2008 at 18:58.
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Excellent post Mama
What really happened to the Pan African Bell 412 on a night call out (sorry, getting old and forgetful so I can't remember the names and dates any more,
Re the quote above - the case is just coming to Court now - depositions are only just being taken.
We will see - maybe!
Trog
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PC Standards
I'm just so grateful I am no longer anything to do with that world. I think if I were still anything to do with aviation, particularly in Nigeria, I'd want to to be only to do with simulators. In my day we had Professional Standards. Nowadays it seems we have only Politically Correct standards, which means no standards at all. People are prepared to sell their souls for a mess of political potage. How unutterably sad. Nabil, Mani, what are you doing? Are CHC and their neo-puppets who have nominally transferred to Aero now the ones really calling the shots? If so, shame on you - you will see the results 
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Are we reminising Mama? Let me see.
I think you could tell us all about PC. Remember that little place in Calabar in the early 90s?
Let me remind you, was it not where the CP made everyone unwelcome and feel that they were perhaps a trespasser, not a weary traveller who would have appreciated a cold beer and a friendly face after a long journey through to Eket.
Ah... the bar was not the only place where one was not welcome, it was the ability to watch a movie in the front room providing it did not compromise the space of the CP's girlfriend. How can you forget those days.
Oh... lest we forget also, in case the BRC crew think that the canteen is becoming regimented, the central messing menu at Calabar would have been an Iranian choice only
and I would have gladly paid N150 for a beverage.
He who flies with the Eagles lies down with the lambs!
Let me remind you, was it not where the CP made everyone unwelcome and feel that they were perhaps a trespasser, not a weary traveller who would have appreciated a cold beer and a friendly face after a long journey through to Eket.
Ah... the bar was not the only place where one was not welcome, it was the ability to watch a movie in the front room providing it did not compromise the space of the CP's girlfriend. How can you forget those days.
Oh... lest we forget also, in case the BRC crew think that the canteen is becoming regimented, the central messing menu at Calabar would have been an Iranian choice only
and I would have gladly paid N150 for a beverage.He who flies with the Eagles lies down with the lambs!
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No matter who caused this bull
Was it a Nigerian crew? Meaning they can get away with all the kack they cause? I think it is not an isolated case. So much for the oh so good safety culture.
Looking at the pics and the damage one cannot tell me that the crew did not notice anything. I would stick em into Guantanamo
Looking at the pics and the damage one cannot tell me that the crew did not notice anything. I would stick em into Guantanamo
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Would be nice if you could make an effort to get all your facts together before opening your orifice to spill out bull****.
And do not give the whole "It is under investigation" crap as we all know it will be under investigation for the next 5 years and more than likely never come out with the facts. It is an anonymous forum.On another note, have they announced the Agbami yet? I hear Bristow have now signed the dotted line.
DT
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Bristow in Africa
Anyone interested in talking a little bit about Bristow in Africa? I'm looking into it and would like a little insider info is possible.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
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nigeria update
just want to know...... the 225s are in nigeria now, but does anyone know when they will be flying? what base are they at? are the crews being positioned there yet or are they still waiting? are they on contract yet?
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What are the conditions like at the two air bases? How are the company facilities? How is maint? What is the morale like? Are guys happy or do they have the mentality of, "I'm just here to pay the bills"? Lastly, are there more/better benefits than with other offshore supporting companies?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Don't Bother with Bristow
loav8r,
Bristow has bases at 9 separate locations in Nigeria, so it would be difficult to answer your question about all of them. Since the arrival of the new Managing Director, who you will have seen referred to in other posts on this thread as Mike Armlick, and the new Human Resources Damager, who you will have seen referred to as Foamy Coolings, morale has never been lower.
If you're thinking about Lagos you'll stay at the BRC (Bristow Residential Compound). This is a supposedly secure compound and has a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts with some gymnasium equipment. The rooms are pretty awful but tolerable for a 6 week tour. You have to pay rip-off prices for exceptionally ordinary food and even a cup of coffee (1 spoon of Nescafe in a cup or pot of hot water) will set you back N150 (about $1.25). In Lagos there is a bar but for some reason it's pretty cliquey and people seem to separate into groups of pilots and engineers.
In Eket you'll live in a supposedly secure hotel, but after Foamy Coolings has sacked so many local staff and upset so many people I reckon it's only a matter of time before one of them sells out information to the militants in the Delta. Hopefully they'll go to Lagos and take Coolings and Armlick, then they'll be gone because nobody would be interested in negotiating to get those 2 little charmers back. The food is supplied but so many people fall sick that even though it's deemed too dangerous for people to get out and shop, some people cook for themselves and others just live on meals from the rigs offshore. The rooms are tolerable, facilities nil, but a great bunch of people to work with.
Both Eket and Lagos are main maintenance bases but there is a critical shortage of fully licensed engineers at both, in some cases there is only one person on the flight line who can sign for all the checks carried out by others. By Nigerian law, engineers are required to have a day off a week, same as the pilots but in practice this rarely happens due to the shortage.
Your remark about guys being there just to pay the bills is mostly true with just a few old die-hards who still claim to enjoy the place. Unless you're desparate steer well clear. There are other places which pay almost as well now and where you can still have a life outside of work, or go to work in Kandahar and really make the big $$$$$.
Bristow has bases at 9 separate locations in Nigeria, so it would be difficult to answer your question about all of them. Since the arrival of the new Managing Director, who you will have seen referred to in other posts on this thread as Mike Armlick, and the new Human Resources Damager, who you will have seen referred to as Foamy Coolings, morale has never been lower
. If you're thinking about Lagos you'll stay at the BRC (Bristow Residential Compound). This is a supposedly secure compound and has a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts with some gymnasium equipment. The rooms are pretty awful but tolerable for a 6 week tour. You have to pay rip-off prices for exceptionally ordinary food and even a cup of coffee (1 spoon of Nescafe in a cup or pot of hot water) will set you back N150 (about $1.25). In Lagos there is a bar but for some reason it's pretty cliquey and people seem to separate into groups of pilots and engineers.
In Eket you'll live in a supposedly secure hotel, but after Foamy Coolings has sacked so many local staff and upset so many people I reckon it's only a matter of time before one of them sells out information to the militants in the Delta. Hopefully they'll go to Lagos and take Coolings and Armlick, then they'll be gone because nobody would be interested in negotiating to get those 2 little charmers back
. The food is supplied but so many people fall sick that even though it's deemed too dangerous for people to get out and shop, some people cook for themselves and others just live on meals from the rigs offshore. The rooms are tolerable, facilities nil, but a great bunch of people to work with.Both Eket and Lagos are main maintenance bases but there is a critical shortage of fully licensed engineers at both, in some cases there is only one person on the flight line who can sign for all the checks carried out by others. By Nigerian law, engineers are required to have a day off a week, same as the pilots but in practice this rarely happens due to the shortage.
Your remark about guys being there just to pay the bills is mostly true with just a few old die-hards who still claim to enjoy the place. Unless you're desparate steer well clear. There are other places which pay almost as well now and where you can still have a life outside of work, or go to work in Kandahar and really make the big $$$$$.
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loav8r,
Give us more details. Are you currently flying S76, EC155, 412 or singles? In other words what is your experience and ratings on. This will determine on which base you will go to. Have you applied for Bristow and been told where you will be going??
The bases are all very different and so is morel and living conditions at them. Also flying for Shell as apposed to Chevron is also very different when it comes to living conditions.
Also what kind of experience do you have in working in these kind of countries will also come into play. Some people do not mind some conditions as others will get of the plane just to turn right around and get back on. I see you live in the U.S. and I can tell you it is a different world in Africa that is for sure.
PM me if you like.
DT
Give us more details. Are you currently flying S76, EC155, 412 or singles? In other words what is your experience and ratings on. This will determine on which base you will go to. Have you applied for Bristow and been told where you will be going??
The bases are all very different and so is morel and living conditions at them. Also flying for Shell as apposed to Chevron is also very different when it comes to living conditions.
Also what kind of experience do you have in working in these kind of countries will also come into play. Some people do not mind some conditions as others will get of the plane just to turn right around and get back on. I see you live in the U.S. and I can tell you it is a different world in Africa that is for sure.
PM me if you like.
DT
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The hoopla in Nigeria
Apart from the fact that Escravos and pretty much all nigerian oil workers are on strike; Escravos is a dump. The mess hall is a disgrace, and for that matter catering, if one is able to call it this way, puts different meals on the menu every day, but it is essentially the same every day.
Warri and Prodeco (camp site) is pretty good. Can't say much about Lagos, and other bases, but a cup of Nescafe for 150 Naira will round off my opinion by saying no more.
Fact is, morale at Bristow is at an all time low
Warri and Prodeco (camp site) is pretty good. Can't say much about Lagos, and other bases, but a cup of Nescafe for 150 Naira will round off my opinion by saying no more.
Fact is, morale at Bristow is at an all time low
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loav8r,
If you end up working in Nigeria for Bristow just remember that the 2 most dangerous things you are likely to face (or more likely to be stabbed in the back by) are your fellow workers and the management
If you end up working in Nigeria for Bristow just remember that the 2 most dangerous things you are likely to face (or more likely to be stabbed in the back by) are your fellow workers and the management
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Remember Bristow ain't Bristow at all. It's just OLOG, but in Nigeria and they have some mean-minded, little tight fisted jock running the show, just trying to make his KPIs and escape with a huge bonus and screw anyone or anything that comes in the way of that. It's people like that who have brought the world to where it is financially now. Steer clear of the place like it is now, whether it's Bristow or CHC or whatever.
I Try To Be Good !!
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As a member of the "I'm here to pay the bills" club, the antics of Armlick, Coolings, CHC, the Ibrus et al are irrelevant. Just give me the money.
Bristow has low morale due to the cutting and/or restructuring of various allowances/arrangements that have been in place since the world was made. CHC/ACN are living with uncertainty about the future with an acrimonious divorce ongoing between the two companies.
Swings and roundabouts.
If you are looking to make pretty good money while working only six months a year and are willing to put up with restrictions on your freedom while doing it then Nigeria is the place for you.
If you care whether the company you work for has changed from 20 (or even 1) years ago even though it has little or no effect on your bottom line then maybe look elsewhere.
Otherwise just fly, have a beer, go to bed and do the same thing the next day for half a year. And take the money !!
Bristow has low morale due to the cutting and/or restructuring of various allowances/arrangements that have been in place since the world was made. CHC/ACN are living with uncertainty about the future with an acrimonious divorce ongoing between the two companies.
Swings and roundabouts.
If you are looking to make pretty good money while working only six months a year and are willing to put up with restrictions on your freedom while doing it then Nigeria is the place for you.
If you care whether the company you work for has changed from 20 (or even 1) years ago even though it has little or no effect on your bottom line then maybe look elsewhere.
Otherwise just fly, have a beer, go to bed and do the same thing the next day for half a year. And take the money !!
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Ok, so the thesis of this discussion we are having is morale is low. That appears to be clear.
As far as my info goes, I fly S-76s and most of my time is in twins with a military background (been to places like Africa before).
I thank you for your honesty and will now ponder your thoughts.
Thanks again.
As far as my info goes, I fly S-76s and most of my time is in twins with a military background (been to places like Africa before).
I thank you for your honesty and will now ponder your thoughts.
Thanks again.