What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Ventless spleens?
I knew there was something about you guys! Helo pilot spleens are fitted with vents! We fixed-wing types just vent spleen but not the spleen itself. (Doing that is what the less-educated choose to call "whining, whingeing, bitching," or "moaning.")
Lately it's a stress-free life compared to as was but there was a time there when I could have used a vented spleen, yes. Is there a Form 337 attached to your Birth Certificate when you have been fitted with one?
Lately it's a stress-free life compared to as was but there was a time there when I could have used a vented spleen, yes. Is there a Form 337 attached to your Birth Certificate when you have been fitted with one?
Join Date: Jul 2008
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I hear from friends still in Nigeria that many pilots are in the process of deserting the sinking ship of CHC/Aero for Bristow - just as well as I've had enquiries from a several people at Eket since the ambush who are looking at leaving Bristow there. Their management just doesn't get it. There's only so much you can do to improve security and then for people to accept the risk you have to offer them other incentives, like $$$, as ADA do for pilots working in Afghanistan. If you pay enough $$$$ you'll nearly always get enough people 
.
There is a small glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel with rumors that Oni is returning this year. At least there's a guy who understands Nigeria - though he's not always been a people person. Here's hoping that his time in Aberdeen has changed that and helped him develop new skills. By all accounts he's very well liked and respected there. Of course 2 other major obstacles remain in operations management and I don't suppose there's any news of replacements on that front?
For all my many friends still in Nigeria, may 2009 be a safe and prosperous year for you. Keep your heads down, your wits about you and may your sense of humor as always be high
. There is a small glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel with rumors that Oni is returning this year. At least there's a guy who understands Nigeria - though he's not always been a people person. Here's hoping that his time in Aberdeen has changed that and helped him develop new skills. By all accounts he's very well liked and respected there. Of course 2 other major obstacles remain in operations management and I don't suppose there's any news of replacements on that front?
For all my many friends still in Nigeria, may 2009 be a safe and prosperous year for you. Keep your heads down, your wits about you and may your sense of humor as always be high
BBO,
In time the porno photos of some highly placed folks engaged in animal acts will fade due to the chemicals deteriorating....then....those two obstacles might be shown the door. Till then....life remains the same in the new year.
Or....is there another explanation for their continued tenure that escapes mere mortals?
In time the porno photos of some highly placed folks engaged in animal acts will fade due to the chemicals deteriorating....then....those two obstacles might be shown the door. Till then....life remains the same in the new year.
Or....is there another explanation for their continued tenure that escapes mere mortals?
Join Date: Jul 2008
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Evergreen to Ghana and Nigeria?
Just heard a rumor that Evergreen are positioning 4 ships to Accra and then two will be re-registered 5N and move to PHC. Anyone have more on this?
Thanks and Happy New Year to all...........Jacquot
Thanks and Happy New Year to all...........Jacquot
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Neverpay have been rumored to be coming to Nigeria for a long time now, possibly in partnership with Virgin. I hear that an ex-CHC (or soon to be ex-) pilot is involved in the set up - he may find that it's out of the frying pan and into the fire 
. What's the rumor this time - Bell 412s?
. What's the rumor this time - Bell 412s?
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...
Sorry!...Don't have any info on this rumour specifically... However?
Rumour is that Julius B are wanting dedicated air support for some of their expats, and have been looking around for cheaper alternatives than offered by local players. Evergreen could be planning yet again to grossly undercharge and grossly mismanage, but make it up in volume ;-)
Seasons Greetings!
Rumour is that Julius B are wanting dedicated air support for some of their expats, and have been looking around for cheaper alternatives than offered by local players. Evergreen could be planning yet again to grossly undercharge and grossly mismanage, but make it up in volume ;-)
Seasons Greetings!
Last edited by 170'; 3rd Jan 2009 at 10:49.
Ah yes! Evergreen!
For those who think I spend way too much time pointing out salient issues with Bristow.....relief is coming!
I worked for Bristow three times....but only once for Evergreen!
There is a message in there if you look for it!
I decided early on that hanging about Bobo in the Republic of Upper Volta waiting for my first anniversary and the promised genuine Navy issue leather flying jacket that produced....was simply not worth it!
The small matter the folks back in McMinnville would not tell me the details of my pay for the previous four months....small trivia like...had I even been paid (they did not give that information out over the telephone)....outweighed my loyalty and desire to succeed in a relatively new employment.
It makes you wonder a bit....they accepted reverse charges from The Republic of Upper Volta but would not accept my assertion I was who I was when it came time to talk of pay matters. A short conversation with the Chief Pilot merely confirmed the company policy...."We ain't discussing pay matters with anyone over the phone." was to be followed.
I closed the conversation by asking if they would relay the information if I came to McMinnville in person....a notion they said would be satisfactory for compliance with their policy.
Thus....I did.
To their defense...upon my unscheduled return to McMinnville to make personal inquiries into the matter....they had paid me every single penny promised.
Their honesty in that one regard was verifiable....but that was the only small part of the honesty rainbow that shined.
Del Smith makes Bob Suggs look like a humanitarian when it comes to looking after his people.
For those who think I spend way too much time pointing out salient issues with Bristow.....relief is coming!
I worked for Bristow three times....but only once for Evergreen!
There is a message in there if you look for it!
I decided early on that hanging about Bobo in the Republic of Upper Volta waiting for my first anniversary and the promised genuine Navy issue leather flying jacket that produced....was simply not worth it!
The small matter the folks back in McMinnville would not tell me the details of my pay for the previous four months....small trivia like...had I even been paid (they did not give that information out over the telephone)....outweighed my loyalty and desire to succeed in a relatively new employment.
It makes you wonder a bit....they accepted reverse charges from The Republic of Upper Volta but would not accept my assertion I was who I was when it came time to talk of pay matters. A short conversation with the Chief Pilot merely confirmed the company policy...."We ain't discussing pay matters with anyone over the phone." was to be followed.
I closed the conversation by asking if they would relay the information if I came to McMinnville in person....a notion they said would be satisfactory for compliance with their policy.
Thus....I did.
To their defense...upon my unscheduled return to McMinnville to make personal inquiries into the matter....they had paid me every single penny promised.
Their honesty in that one regard was verifiable....but that was the only small part of the honesty rainbow that shined.
Del Smith makes Bob Suggs look like a humanitarian when it comes to looking after his people.
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That statement about Del Smith is very funny. I didn't think another person could be "greater" employer than the late Bob.
I couldn't agree more with the management philosophy at Evergreen. However, I must say that if they move to Nigeria, there is going to be one more obstacle to negotiate while flying...their aircraft.
I couldn't agree more with the management philosophy at Evergreen. However, I must say that if they move to Nigeria, there is going to be one more obstacle to negotiate while flying...their aircraft.
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Maybe they pulled their internet at the end of 2008.
ACN: the herd is spooked!
Bristows: they get to hire the known crew they want, discard the rest.
Caverton: ?????????????????
As for evergreen. if anyone is in the know I'm quite curious myself.
This place has long relied on the old hands being able to guide the trickle of new folks but what I am hearing and seeing in the air these days leads me to believe that we are in for some very bad news soon. Too much new blood that is unaware and uncaring about why the existing procedurs were put in place. Something needs to change!
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This is old news from more than a month ago when the Bristow convoy from Eket to QIT was ambushed. 2 pilots were wounded by the same bullet when the convoy was ambushed on the way to work. One released from hospital the next day, but the other was more seriously wounded. I'm not sure if he's still in hospital or not. 5 of the Mopol were also shot and one died of his wounds.
Report from last month
Report from last month
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Nigeria Requirements
Does anyone know the current requirements for working in Nigeria for Bristow and if they are currently hiring. I am working in the GOM right now and looking to go over there.
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As roque basse says, at the moment it's mostly CHC pilots leaving (or being laid-off from) Aero as they talk of reducing the helicopter fleet by at least 5 in the next 2-3 months. Soon it will be Aero pilots leaving too 
. It doesn't help that within the Aero hierarchy they have retained one of those who as a manager has no credibility with either nationals or expats and why he's still here is a mystery to everybody (except, presumably, those in the Aero management who decided to keep him on). There's all manner of talk going on around here, but all most of the pilots hear are rumours as there's no firm information. Yes, CHC is definitely keeping its stake - no CHC is definitely going to pull the plug - there's a meeting next week/month which will finally sort everything out - CHC and Aero directors only meet at neutral venues and then shout at each other - Aero currently owe CHC 50/80/100/125 million $$ - and so it goes on with nobody really seeming to know what's happening. There are a few expats who are still curious enough to find out how it will all end and want to stay on, but many are looking elsewhere 
. In the middle of all this, the MD of Aero is also finally leaving this month. Whether that's a good thing or not will partly depend on who replaces him, but he has to accept at least some of the responsibility for the state the company is in as he has presided over the whole changeover to CHC as partner and presumably had the support of the Ibru family. It will be interesting to see how Nabil fits into the new organisation under the new MD (or will Nabil be the new MD?).
Surely the new masters of CHC will be looking at writing off their negative investment Nigeria and pulling the plug soon as they are financiers, not aircraft operators. The Ibrus, who are now more closely involved in running Aero than they were during their happy relationship with Schreiner, are also financiers and Cecilia Ibru, the "First Lady of Nigerian Banking" and CEO of Oceanic Bank, the Nigerian owners of Aero didn't get her bank into the position where it is today without being extremely shrewd. I don't suppose she'll allow Aero to carry on as it is for much longer either, particularly as Nigeria finally also feels the effects of the global financial crisis.
In the middle of all this Evergreen are trying to get a foot in the door and rumour has it that they are sending out some people to talk to a couple of the oil companies (those with contracts with Aero) next week. They may find they've bitten off more than they can chew unless they send somebody with considerable experience of the Nigerian market (not just the African market) and a lot of commercial savvy and that doesn't seem to be the case. After all, they're going to be trying it on against 2 very experienced and savvy hands in Nabil and Mani who were part of the team who originally built Aero's dominant position in the happier days under Schreiner. If, as rumoured, they're looking at going in as a partner with Virgin Nigeria, that may also prove a poor choice, given the crisis that company also seems to be in at the moment, with Richard Branson contemplating reducing his shareholding. Maybe they'll try and do something with Caverton - a real Neverpay/Centre of Excellence joke
So far, Bristow is the company profiting from all this, but its management structure must be groaning under the weight of all the extra work. It's rumoured that Akin Oni is returning shortly which can only be a good thing. He's a fearsomely intelligent, articulate Nigerian, well versed in matters Nigerian and now had his skills honed by his time as a (very popular) manager on the North Sea. It needs someone who will be here longer than just a one or two year contract (who wants to meet his profit targets in as short a time as possible) and is willing to make long-term investments in the future to turn Bristow into a 21st Century company, instead of being the company which has all the promise for the future, with all the baggage of the past
. It doesn't help that within the Aero hierarchy they have retained one of those who as a manager has no credibility with either nationals or expats and why he's still here is a mystery to everybody (except, presumably, those in the Aero management who decided to keep him on). There's all manner of talk going on around here, but all most of the pilots hear are rumours as there's no firm information. Yes, CHC is definitely keeping its stake - no CHC is definitely going to pull the plug - there's a meeting next week/month which will finally sort everything out - CHC and Aero directors only meet at neutral venues and then shout at each other - Aero currently owe CHC 50/80/100/125 million $$ - and so it goes on with nobody really seeming to know what's happening. There are a few expats who are still curious enough to find out how it will all end and want to stay on, but many are looking elsewhere . In the middle of all this, the MD of Aero is also finally leaving this month. Whether that's a good thing or not will partly depend on who replaces him, but he has to accept at least some of the responsibility for the state the company is in as he has presided over the whole changeover to CHC as partner and presumably had the support of the Ibru family. It will be interesting to see how Nabil fits into the new organisation under the new MD (or will Nabil be the new MD?).Surely the new masters of CHC will be looking at writing off their negative investment Nigeria and pulling the plug soon as they are financiers, not aircraft operators. The Ibrus, who are now more closely involved in running Aero than they were during their happy relationship with Schreiner, are also financiers and Cecilia Ibru, the "First Lady of Nigerian Banking" and CEO of Oceanic Bank, the Nigerian owners of Aero didn't get her bank into the position where it is today without being extremely shrewd. I don't suppose she'll allow Aero to carry on as it is for much longer either, particularly as Nigeria finally also feels the effects of the global financial crisis.
In the middle of all this Evergreen are trying to get a foot in the door and rumour has it that they are sending out some people to talk to a couple of the oil companies (those with contracts with Aero) next week. They may find they've bitten off more than they can chew unless they send somebody with considerable experience of the Nigerian market (not just the African market) and a lot of commercial savvy and that doesn't seem to be the case. After all, they're going to be trying it on against 2 very experienced and savvy hands in Nabil and Mani who were part of the team who originally built Aero's dominant position in the happier days under Schreiner. If, as rumoured, they're looking at going in as a partner with Virgin Nigeria, that may also prove a poor choice, given the crisis that company also seems to be in at the moment, with Richard Branson contemplating reducing his shareholding. Maybe they'll try and do something with Caverton - a real Neverpay/Centre of Excellence joke
So far, Bristow is the company profiting from all this, but its management structure must be groaning under the weight of all the extra work. It's rumoured that Akin Oni is returning shortly which can only be a good thing. He's a fearsomely intelligent, articulate Nigerian, well versed in matters Nigerian and now had his skills honed by his time as a (very popular) manager on the North Sea. It needs someone who will be here longer than just a one or two year contract (who wants to meet his profit targets in as short a time as possible) and is willing to make long-term investments in the future to turn Bristow into a 21st Century company, instead of being the company which has all the promise for the future, with all the baggage of the past