Happenings at Warrnambool
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BK Sneaks Into Warrnambool
From The Standard
SOUTH-WEST Victoria's own search and rescue helicopter slipped into Warrnambool last night with little fanfare, ending a decade of anguish for some campaigners.
The multi-million-dollar BK 117 B2 Plus twin-engine chopper, complete with ambulance capabilities, is to be a permanent fixture at the city's aerodrome.
A private campaign by owner/pilot Tim Chibs and his four Warrnambool mates culminated in three victory laps over the city late yesterday.
Steve Guyett, Tony Franc, Stephen McDowell and David Hedger told The Standard the project had been a long, hard secret to keep.
The men will be trained as the helicopter's first crew members and last night quietly celebrated their involvement with Mr Chibs, their family and friends.
It remains unclear if WestVic Rescue Service, the team of community members behind a long public campaign for a similar service, will embrace the private venture.
Chairman John Robinson said yesterday the project was not associated with WestVic.
Mr Chibs yesterday flew the helicopter from Sydney where it has just completed a contract fighting fires for the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service.
He was born in Nigeria and trained as a pilot in Britain before arriving in Australia in 1982 where he has since built a helicopter business based at Moorabbin.
Mr Chibs said it brought him great joy to give a region what it had wanted for so long.
"We have had Warrnambool in our hearts for a long time and made the decision that it was time to come here," he said.
"We are a commercial entity. The core of our businesses is emergency services.
"I fell in love with this place a long time ago. A helicopter of this capacity is needed here and strategically for our business it is the right place for us to be."
Mr Chibs said the chopper, one of two he owned, was the only one between Melbourne and Adelaide with full emergency response capabilities.
"We can do anything that anyone wants with it," he said.
"One moment we can be firebombing and the next rescuing people from the sea. It takes about four minutes to get airborne."
Mr Chibs said the helicopter's side rescue winch could lift two or three adults to safety from as far below as 75 metres.
He said the helicopter could be configured to seat as many as 10 people plus a pilot or two patients on stretches, a doctor, nurse and crewman.
A night-sun, or spotlight, is also fitted for night ground searches.
With a full load of fuel the helicopter is capable of return trips to South Australia and Melbourne.
Mr Chibs stressed ambulance operations could only be conducted under the auspice of Air Ambulance Victoria, with which he was finalising arrangements.
He did, however, say the chopper was already accredited to access The Alfred hospital's new state-of-the-art trauma centre.
Mr Chibs said he had supported WestVic's campaign for many years and would continue to support his good friend John Robinson in his efforts.
"We totally support John Robinson and are appalled it has taken nine years...At the end of the day, we were just tired of a helicopter not being here," he said. "The business relies on revenue. At the end of the day we need that to survive here.
"What we need to do is draw on our commercial enterprises to provide revenue to keep this helicopter in a community that needs it."
Kept THAT under their hat!
And that revenue would be.....joyflights?
http://the.standard.net.au/articles/...609383489.html
SEARCH OVER
SOUTH-WEST Victoria's own search and rescue helicopter slipped into Warrnambool last night with little fanfare, ending a decade of anguish for some campaigners.
The multi-million-dollar BK 117 B2 Plus twin-engine chopper, complete with ambulance capabilities, is to be a permanent fixture at the city's aerodrome.
A private campaign by owner/pilot Tim Chibs and his four Warrnambool mates culminated in three victory laps over the city late yesterday.
Steve Guyett, Tony Franc, Stephen McDowell and David Hedger told The Standard the project had been a long, hard secret to keep.
The men will be trained as the helicopter's first crew members and last night quietly celebrated their involvement with Mr Chibs, their family and friends.
It remains unclear if WestVic Rescue Service, the team of community members behind a long public campaign for a similar service, will embrace the private venture.
Chairman John Robinson said yesterday the project was not associated with WestVic.
Mr Chibs yesterday flew the helicopter from Sydney where it has just completed a contract fighting fires for the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service.
He was born in Nigeria and trained as a pilot in Britain before arriving in Australia in 1982 where he has since built a helicopter business based at Moorabbin.
Mr Chibs said it brought him great joy to give a region what it had wanted for so long.
"We have had Warrnambool in our hearts for a long time and made the decision that it was time to come here," he said.
"We are a commercial entity. The core of our businesses is emergency services.
"I fell in love with this place a long time ago. A helicopter of this capacity is needed here and strategically for our business it is the right place for us to be."
Mr Chibs said the chopper, one of two he owned, was the only one between Melbourne and Adelaide with full emergency response capabilities.
"We can do anything that anyone wants with it," he said.
"One moment we can be firebombing and the next rescuing people from the sea. It takes about four minutes to get airborne."
Mr Chibs said the helicopter's side rescue winch could lift two or three adults to safety from as far below as 75 metres.
He said the helicopter could be configured to seat as many as 10 people plus a pilot or two patients on stretches, a doctor, nurse and crewman.
A night-sun, or spotlight, is also fitted for night ground searches.
With a full load of fuel the helicopter is capable of return trips to South Australia and Melbourne.
Mr Chibs stressed ambulance operations could only be conducted under the auspice of Air Ambulance Victoria, with which he was finalising arrangements.
He did, however, say the chopper was already accredited to access The Alfred hospital's new state-of-the-art trauma centre.
Mr Chibs said he had supported WestVic's campaign for many years and would continue to support his good friend John Robinson in his efforts.
"We totally support John Robinson and are appalled it has taken nine years...At the end of the day, we were just tired of a helicopter not being here," he said. "The business relies on revenue. At the end of the day we need that to survive here.
"What we need to do is draw on our commercial enterprises to provide revenue to keep this helicopter in a community that needs it."
"The business relies on revenue. At the end of the day we need that to survive here.
http://the.standard.net.au/articles/...609383489.html
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I give them 3 months [or less].
For those that know this "Outfit" as apart from "Outlaw", then rest assured there will be no amicable finish to their latest escapade....get good lawyers NOW.
For those that can’t understand how a Nigerian with absolutely nothing, can own a BK 117 in Australia, should ring JW at YMMB.
This will be a most interesting saga to follow.
Hope all the business folk in that town count their fingers each and every night.
Do some research before you sign…..Great advice.
For those that can’t understand how a Nigerian with absolutely nothing, can own a BK 117 in Australia, should ring JW at YMMB.
This will be a most interesting saga to follow.
Hope all the business folk in that town count their fingers each and every night.
Do some research before you sign…..Great advice.
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http://www.abc.net.au/southwestvic/stories/s1305785.htm
Makes some interesting reading / listening.
Not even the locals think it's going to last.
Mr Robinson, make no mistake, this 'fly by nighter' is going to damage your cause, your credibility and locals confidence in such a service when he leaves as suddenly as he came….and he will. I'll give him 3 months. Maybe sooner if he can find some work for his machine elsewhere.
Makes some interesting reading / listening.
Not even the locals think it's going to last.
Mr Robinson, make no mistake, this 'fly by nighter' is going to damage your cause, your credibility and locals confidence in such a service when he leaves as suddenly as he came….and he will. I'll give him 3 months. Maybe sooner if he can find some work for his machine elsewhere.
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I dont give him long either. He has no contract, no work and contrary to what Mr Chibs says, no agreement with the Ambulance Service.
I feel sorry for the fellows who have followed him down there, i cannot see anyone chartering a VFR BK117 for rescue work/HEMS, no way.
I am not quite sure where his money comes from, as for him owning the helicopters................................................. .........ive heard different.
I feel sorry for the fellows who have followed him down there, i cannot see anyone chartering a VFR BK117 for rescue work/HEMS, no way.
I am not quite sure where his money comes from, as for him owning the helicopters................................................. .........ive heard different.
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Good Idea bad planning
The people involved and pictured in the picture know who i am by my username but i live in Warrnambool and i think i will throw in my 2 cents worth.
The Idea of a Rescue Helicopter for South West Victoria is a great Idea and it really is needed. However the way this mob has gone about accquiring one has got a bit to be desired. This whole secret idea is not a smart idea how often do you see Ambulance, SES or Police open an office in secret?
Don't quote me as i have no real knowledge into their operations but to my knowledge they have no backing or agreements with any emergency services. As for SAR i personally believe that if i was the co-ordinator I would much prefer to get 4 R44's searching the 1 Bk. Especially since the R44's are normally in the area courtsey of 12 Apostle helicopters.
They are claiming to be a Emergency service helicopter but to my knowledge and i'm possible wrong but i believe in Victoria you must have a MICA paramedic onboard and not any old paramedic like it is in the other states of Australia but i don't see even a paramedic i see a car yard employee and couple of Volunteer Firefighters and a couple of very skilled commerical pilots. I'm not aware that a first aid certificate is a real great qualification in life saving effort but i have say i would much prefer to see these guys flying over me when i'm stranded then no body.
I have spoken and heard from a few people in the local community and as far as 3 months go i don't agree but a lot do.
Just in closing 2 quick questions
1. does anyone know the rules about single pilot SAR and airwork in a BK?
2. If you are on call 24hrs for SAR or Emergency does it count as duty time if you are living at a premises which is at the same address as the aircraft is housed where ever that could be? In which case do you have to knock back charter or declare a mercy flight?
Finnally to the guys in the picture best of luck, you have had a dream you have made it come true, which is a lot more then most of us on this !!!!!!RUMOR!!!!! Network, I wish you all the success in this venture, Heaven know one of them has had and awful time and he's just trying to help promote flying to all.
Regards
The Idea of a Rescue Helicopter for South West Victoria is a great Idea and it really is needed. However the way this mob has gone about accquiring one has got a bit to be desired. This whole secret idea is not a smart idea how often do you see Ambulance, SES or Police open an office in secret?
Don't quote me as i have no real knowledge into their operations but to my knowledge they have no backing or agreements with any emergency services. As for SAR i personally believe that if i was the co-ordinator I would much prefer to get 4 R44's searching the 1 Bk. Especially since the R44's are normally in the area courtsey of 12 Apostle helicopters.
They are claiming to be a Emergency service helicopter but to my knowledge and i'm possible wrong but i believe in Victoria you must have a MICA paramedic onboard and not any old paramedic like it is in the other states of Australia but i don't see even a paramedic i see a car yard employee and couple of Volunteer Firefighters and a couple of very skilled commerical pilots. I'm not aware that a first aid certificate is a real great qualification in life saving effort but i have say i would much prefer to see these guys flying over me when i'm stranded then no body.
I have spoken and heard from a few people in the local community and as far as 3 months go i don't agree but a lot do.
Just in closing 2 quick questions
1. does anyone know the rules about single pilot SAR and airwork in a BK?
2. If you are on call 24hrs for SAR or Emergency does it count as duty time if you are living at a premises which is at the same address as the aircraft is housed where ever that could be? In which case do you have to knock back charter or declare a mercy flight?
Finnally to the guys in the picture best of luck, you have had a dream you have made it come true, which is a lot more then most of us on this !!!!!!RUMOR!!!!! Network, I wish you all the success in this venture, Heaven know one of them has had and awful time and he's just trying to help promote flying to all.
Regards
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3 o'clock,
Is that the runner that Freddy did from Europe on track to NZ then into Australia with the authorities after him, or the one that he did after the demise of the NSCA?
Is that the runner that Freddy did from Europe on track to NZ then into Australia with the authorities after him, or the one that he did after the demise of the NSCA?
Warrnambool BK..
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Bloody typical. Where the hell is our useless regulator CASA.
What do you thinks this mobs Operations Manual has to say about HEMS operations.
Not a thing!!!!
How do you think they manage fatigue on a 24/7 roster with only one crew?
What training has the crew undertaken?
A fitness program for the crew looks like it might be a good place to start.
If the good people of Warrnambool feel they need a rescue helicopter, why don’t they advertise for staff set up an AOC and Certificate of approval and buy a helicopter. At least that way they could see where their money has gone. Shelling out public money only to have the helicopter disappear at the next fire season opportunity makes no sense.
There are good people out there. There is quality staff of a high calibre in the middle east right now busting for an opportunity to come home to work like this. All you have to do is advertise.
Helicopters cost.
Staff costs.
If you wish to have any control over these costs you need your own. Otherwise it will cost you a little more.
A well managed community based helicopter in a place like Warrnambool could almost be self supporting.
Hire a manager. He/she then,
Sets up a charity.
Gain the co-operation of the Ambulance service.
Writes an operations manual.
Fund raise within the community.
Purchase a helicopter
Hire staff.
A good manager would have you operational within 18 months.
Look! I know it is not that simple. That's why you hire a manager first. It is his job to sort out the details. The Warrnambool City council employs the manager directly giving them ultimate control.
Edited.
Heliport
What do you thinks this mobs Operations Manual has to say about HEMS operations.
Not a thing!!!!
How do you think they manage fatigue on a 24/7 roster with only one crew?
What training has the crew undertaken?
A fitness program for the crew looks like it might be a good place to start.
If the good people of Warrnambool feel they need a rescue helicopter, why don’t they advertise for staff set up an AOC and Certificate of approval and buy a helicopter. At least that way they could see where their money has gone. Shelling out public money only to have the helicopter disappear at the next fire season opportunity makes no sense.
There are good people out there. There is quality staff of a high calibre in the middle east right now busting for an opportunity to come home to work like this. All you have to do is advertise.
Helicopters cost.
Staff costs.
If you wish to have any control over these costs you need your own. Otherwise it will cost you a little more.
A well managed community based helicopter in a place like Warrnambool could almost be self supporting.
Hire a manager. He/she then,
Sets up a charity.
Gain the co-operation of the Ambulance service.
Writes an operations manual.
Fund raise within the community.
Purchase a helicopter
Hire staff.
A good manager would have you operational within 18 months.
Look! I know it is not that simple. That's why you hire a manager first. It is his job to sort out the details. The Warrnambool City council employs the manager directly giving them ultimate control.
Edited.
Heliport
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Maybe this fella has done what others wont do due to there own personal glory. The Victorian Government would rather spend $1billion putting a fancy roof on spencer street station than to save lives in South West Victoria.
He will probably fail by going around it the wrong way but he may succeed in embarrasing the powers that be into some action.
Lets hope there is a good ending.
Oh and i think PremiAIR helicopters has the 4 R44s and a AS350 down on the coast.
He will probably fail by going around it the wrong way but he may succeed in embarrasing the powers that be into some action.
Lets hope there is a good ending.
Oh and i think PremiAIR helicopters has the 4 R44s and a AS350 down on the coast.
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This is the link to the story in the Warrnambool Standard
http://the.standard.net.au/articles/...700499553.html
DENIS Napthine yesterday threw his political support behind the region's new emergency helicopter, calling on the State Government to provide a financial retainer that would ensure its long-term future at Warrnambool.
The member for South West Coast said he wanted to meet with the helicopter's owner Tim Chibs before deciding to officially support the venture.
The pair met behind closed doors at the Warrnambool airport before emerging to announce they were "singing from the same hymn book".
"I wanted to talk directly to Tim and satisfy myself - to be frank - of his bona fides and his commitment," Dr Napthine said.
"The last thing we needed was a fly-by-night operator.
"I'm satisfied Tim has enormous experience in terms of his own skills and qualifications as a pilot and a pilot working in the emergency services area.
"Here we have a highly-skilled operator, a helicopter that can do the job and I believe we have a real demand for this multi-purpose rescue service."
Mr Chibs said Dr Napthine's support was an important step towards uniting the region behind the helicopter and arguing the case for Government support.
"The focus now is to make sure we all sing out of the same hymn book - that is vital," he said.
Dr Napthine said he would actively campaign for Premier Steve Bracks to financially support it.
"The next step is to get the State Government to have genuine consultation with Tim with a view to, I believe, putting Tim's company on an ongoing retainer that would retain his service in the area," he said.
"He needs funding and I think the best form is a retainer fee so Tim and his people can guarantee to stay here.
"He has a multi-million-dollar helicopter here and he has costs to meet - if he can't get ongoing support there is no way known the service can stay here.
"Everyone in western Victoria knows somebody where this sort of service would have made a real difference in saving a person's life or significantly reducing their trauma or injuries."
Dr Napthine said it was imperative the State Government and Air Ambulance Victoria formed a partnership that allowed the helicopter to provide paramedic services.
http://the.standard.net.au/articles/...700499553.html
DENIS Napthine yesterday threw his political support behind the region's new emergency helicopter, calling on the State Government to provide a financial retainer that would ensure its long-term future at Warrnambool.
The member for South West Coast said he wanted to meet with the helicopter's owner Tim Chibs before deciding to officially support the venture.
The pair met behind closed doors at the Warrnambool airport before emerging to announce they were "singing from the same hymn book".
"I wanted to talk directly to Tim and satisfy myself - to be frank - of his bona fides and his commitment," Dr Napthine said.
"The last thing we needed was a fly-by-night operator.
"I'm satisfied Tim has enormous experience in terms of his own skills and qualifications as a pilot and a pilot working in the emergency services area.
"Here we have a highly-skilled operator, a helicopter that can do the job and I believe we have a real demand for this multi-purpose rescue service."
Mr Chibs said Dr Napthine's support was an important step towards uniting the region behind the helicopter and arguing the case for Government support.
"The focus now is to make sure we all sing out of the same hymn book - that is vital," he said.
Dr Napthine said he would actively campaign for Premier Steve Bracks to financially support it.
"The next step is to get the State Government to have genuine consultation with Tim with a view to, I believe, putting Tim's company on an ongoing retainer that would retain his service in the area," he said.
"He needs funding and I think the best form is a retainer fee so Tim and his people can guarantee to stay here.
"He has a multi-million-dollar helicopter here and he has costs to meet - if he can't get ongoing support there is no way known the service can stay here.
"Everyone in western Victoria knows somebody where this sort of service would have made a real difference in saving a person's life or significantly reducing their trauma or injuries."
Dr Napthine said it was imperative the State Government and Air Ambulance Victoria formed a partnership that allowed the helicopter to provide paramedic services.
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Or better still Dr. Napthine
Why don't you put the task out to tender??
Don't whatever you do, get into bed with this particular group [individual] [one man show] and his ultra fit crew, without first asking some pointed questions.
I gather in your hymn book you had questions such as:
•Have you ever crashed a helicopter in which you were the cause of the crash.
•Is the ownership of that particular helicopter under a legal ownership challenge by a well respected engineer in Melbourne.
•Do you have the necessary maintenance approvals to operate this class of helicopter?? Is the reason you arnt flying much have something to do with a maintenance controller gone missing and unpaid invoices.
•Can you really operate a VFR helicopter in IFR? you can??
•And of course your a current IFR pilot, aren’t you?
•Where did you get all that EMS experience?...which EMS operators in Australia have you worked for?? Oh in Nigeria, I see...!!!
•You have at least 3 other "Highly Experienced IFR" pilots to assist, don't you?
•When did you gain your ISO 9000 Certification, required for Government Contracts. Oh no, you don’t have one, do you?
•You do operate a CAR 217 Training System, don't you?
•And your Fatigue Risk Management System must be one of those new third generation systems hey??, Oh you do know what an FRMS is don't you?
Someone had better warn the good Doctor.
Don't whatever you do, get into bed with this particular group [individual] [one man show] and his ultra fit crew, without first asking some pointed questions.
I gather in your hymn book you had questions such as:
•Have you ever crashed a helicopter in which you were the cause of the crash.
•Is the ownership of that particular helicopter under a legal ownership challenge by a well respected engineer in Melbourne.
•Do you have the necessary maintenance approvals to operate this class of helicopter?? Is the reason you arnt flying much have something to do with a maintenance controller gone missing and unpaid invoices.
•Can you really operate a VFR helicopter in IFR? you can??
•And of course your a current IFR pilot, aren’t you?
•Where did you get all that EMS experience?...which EMS operators in Australia have you worked for?? Oh in Nigeria, I see...!!!
•You have at least 3 other "Highly Experienced IFR" pilots to assist, don't you?
•When did you gain your ISO 9000 Certification, required for Government Contracts. Oh no, you don’t have one, do you?
•You do operate a CAR 217 Training System, don't you?
•And your Fatigue Risk Management System must be one of those new third generation systems hey??, Oh you do know what an FRMS is don't you?
Someone had better warn the good Doctor.
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What is it about a helicopter that turns normally very intelligent, rational people like the good doctor into, umm, well, something less?
You see it all the time.
In NSW the good public donate cash above their normal taxes to keep the helicopters flying.
Maybe it is a hypnotic effect of the rotors turning.
You see it all the time.
In NSW the good public donate cash above their normal taxes to keep the helicopters flying.
Maybe it is a hypnotic effect of the rotors turning.