Working in Nigeria
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Anjounan
Yes SASless may be the worlds greatest pilot- I don't
him. But his obvious Bristow bashing/whining has been a part
of rotorheads for the past couple of years.
Get over it please
Yes SASless may be the worlds greatest pilot- I don't
him. But his obvious Bristow bashing/whining has been a part
of rotorheads for the past couple of years.
Get over it please
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anjouan
I've already pointed out that I've no axe to grind with SASless, or anybody else for that matter. But grudges shouldn't be harboured for so long and thrust down everybodies throats.
There are those postings where I can appreciate that he is very knowledgeable and others where he just bangs very large drums - the same can be said of some other regular contributors, but in the main Rotorheads gives a pretty good reflection of the temperature of our industry.
I've already pointed out that I've no axe to grind with SASless, or anybody else for that matter. But grudges shouldn't be harboured for so long and thrust down everybodies throats.
There are those postings where I can appreciate that he is very knowledgeable and others where he just bangs very large drums - the same can be said of some other regular contributors, but in the main Rotorheads gives a pretty good reflection of the temperature of our industry.
Bristow Bashing
Makila,
The last time I left the warm loving embraces of Bristow Nigeria, I provided my own exit interview treatise to Redhill at their request. I retain a copy of that now and have considered making it public. Unfortunately it is name specific in a lot of instances and that would not be appropriate for a public forum. Also, that was an internal company communication and that should be left that way. A review of it by those knowlegeable of the course of events would see that what I said was accurate....and was said well ahead of any changes being made.
Several of the concerns I presented to them have been addressed. You will recall the shakeup in the Lagos management, removals of some site management, and some realignment of duties and responsiblities.
You have seen the promotion of well qualified Nigerians to positions of authority finally and the expenditure of lots of money to bring the S-76 fleet up to some semblance of quality after the bad years. The decrepit old 212's are finally heading off to where old elephants go to die.
Unfortunately, not all of the sources of problems have been removed....but they have made progress.
Bashing as you call it....was addressed in paragraph one of the summary I provided.
The attitude then prevailing was that anything Bristow did, however they did it, no matter how it was done, was better than anything, anyone, any where could do.....and any suggestion that was not the case was patently ignored and actively punished.
That attitude as I promised to them, resulted in some very real problems.....ergo the changes finally. The situation had deteriorated to the point that Redhill had to do something.
You can call it bashing if you wish.....I suggest that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem in these situations. Some people find it hard to stand up and speak the truth particularly in an environment that does not welcome the truth.
I have not seen a lot of folks taking issue with the facts of what I have said about the situation in Nigeria. I do hear a few guys take issue with me for having said it.
If what I am saying is wrong factually.... refute it. Come forth, take your stand....provide your own account of what the situtation was/is and substantiate what you say. Those that are considering going there will be the better off for it. It will assist them in making an informed decision...at least we can be supportive of other pilots that way and work together to improve our working environment.
One of our posters says nothing has changed in 20 years.....now that is an enlightened position. Coming from a consultant....I wonder....I really do. I am sure his final report to his clients says that....."nope, everything is fine...just like it has been for 20 years...no changes needed, nothing could stand modernization....nope....you run a perfect operation." Think he might be an old style Bristow Manager of some kind?
For some reason, I find it hard to give him much credance that being true....that he thinks nothing has changed.
The last time I left the warm loving embraces of Bristow Nigeria, I provided my own exit interview treatise to Redhill at their request. I retain a copy of that now and have considered making it public. Unfortunately it is name specific in a lot of instances and that would not be appropriate for a public forum. Also, that was an internal company communication and that should be left that way. A review of it by those knowlegeable of the course of events would see that what I said was accurate....and was said well ahead of any changes being made.
Several of the concerns I presented to them have been addressed. You will recall the shakeup in the Lagos management, removals of some site management, and some realignment of duties and responsiblities.
You have seen the promotion of well qualified Nigerians to positions of authority finally and the expenditure of lots of money to bring the S-76 fleet up to some semblance of quality after the bad years. The decrepit old 212's are finally heading off to where old elephants go to die.
Unfortunately, not all of the sources of problems have been removed....but they have made progress.
Bashing as you call it....was addressed in paragraph one of the summary I provided.
The attitude then prevailing was that anything Bristow did, however they did it, no matter how it was done, was better than anything, anyone, any where could do.....and any suggestion that was not the case was patently ignored and actively punished.
That attitude as I promised to them, resulted in some very real problems.....ergo the changes finally. The situation had deteriorated to the point that Redhill had to do something.
You can call it bashing if you wish.....I suggest that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem in these situations. Some people find it hard to stand up and speak the truth particularly in an environment that does not welcome the truth.
I have not seen a lot of folks taking issue with the facts of what I have said about the situation in Nigeria. I do hear a few guys take issue with me for having said it.
If what I am saying is wrong factually.... refute it. Come forth, take your stand....provide your own account of what the situtation was/is and substantiate what you say. Those that are considering going there will be the better off for it. It will assist them in making an informed decision...at least we can be supportive of other pilots that way and work together to improve our working environment.
One of our posters says nothing has changed in 20 years.....now that is an enlightened position. Coming from a consultant....I wonder....I really do. I am sure his final report to his clients says that....."nope, everything is fine...just like it has been for 20 years...no changes needed, nothing could stand modernization....nope....you run a perfect operation." Think he might be an old style Bristow Manager of some kind?
For some reason, I find it hard to give him much credance that being true....that he thinks nothing has changed.
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SASless
Nope, never reached the exhalted ranks of manager in the company - highest I got was TRE. As for painting nice rosy pictures for everybody, I can assure you I pull no punches.
Since you have obviously checked my profile, you should also respect that, as a consultant, I have client confidentiality at stake, therefore can say no more than I have. My comment regarding little has changed in the 20 years was a general comment on the way the average pilot sees working in Nigeria. Other than a change in aircraft type and some improvements in the general infrastructure, most seem to find something or other to complain about.
I think Anjouan has summed it up nicely ;
Nope, never reached the exhalted ranks of manager in the company - highest I got was TRE. As for painting nice rosy pictures for everybody, I can assure you I pull no punches.
Since you have obviously checked my profile, you should also respect that, as a consultant, I have client confidentiality at stake, therefore can say no more than I have. My comment regarding little has changed in the 20 years was a general comment on the way the average pilot sees working in Nigeria. Other than a change in aircraft type and some improvements in the general infrastructure, most seem to find something or other to complain about.
I think Anjouan has summed it up nicely ;
As for whether Nigeria is a good place to work, that's down to you. It's definitely a more dangerous place to live than most places in Europe. Some people love it, some hate it and some tolerate it because they get what they need from it. It's the same the whole world over.
That we all agree upon....
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Thanks SAS for such an open post. Lets all agree
that Nigeria is not perfect, but let potential employees
check it out for themselves- regardless of any personal
differences we may have had there.
They will even find an overhauled BRC on arrival !!!!!
that Nigeria is not perfect, but let potential employees
check it out for themselves- regardless of any personal
differences we may have had there.
They will even find an overhauled BRC on arrival !!!!!
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I agree with most comments....Nigeria is a place everyone should experiance, especially in the rotorhead world.
It has many beautiful and interesting features. It's also a very scary place on a humanity and common sense scale, kinda like a message to mankind! How not to rule and progress society with so much wealth. A very sad and beautiful place ......somewhere between Barbados and Baghdad!!!!
It has many beautiful and interesting features. It's also a very scary place on a humanity and common sense scale, kinda like a message to mankind! How not to rule and progress society with so much wealth. A very sad and beautiful place ......somewhere between Barbados and Baghdad!!!!
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Chc Or Olog In Nigeria?
I am thinking of work in Nigeria because their seems to be plenty of vacancies there at this moment. I've seen things on other thread and it seem some people are leaving CHC for OLOG because pay is better and they don't know if their salary will be so good when OLOG makes up its mind. Some people say OLOG pays more but you have to work one month a year more, though friends say they have better housing and better traetment by the management.
What's the view of those working there now as to which would be the better company to apply to. I have S76 on my license and I know that both companies fly this.
What's the view of those working there now as to which would be the better company to apply to. I have S76 on my license and I know that both companies fly this.
Nigerian In Law
IMHO it would be impossible to choose between them. In the short term it has to be OLOG because they do pay better at the moment. But in the long term, who knows ? Probably not even the bean counters.
I hear CHC are going to get really aggressive and try to put OLOG out of Nigeria, but some companies (eg Shell/ExxonMobil) won't touch them. My money is on OLOG. They seem to be going through a revamp and appear to have client loyalty.
Not authoritative, just my thoughts.
Cheers,
NEO
I hear CHC are going to get really aggressive and try to put OLOG out of Nigeria, but some companies (eg Shell/ExxonMobil) won't touch them. My money is on OLOG. They seem to be going through a revamp and appear to have client loyalty.
Not authoritative, just my thoughts.
Cheers,
NEO
Last edited by Nigerian Expat Outlaw; 26th Apr 2005 at 06:11.
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Nigerian Expat Outlaw
Interesting thoughts there. Where did you get the notion that certain companies would not consider looking at CHC? Surely, all operators are considered on their capabilities and merits, which means that provided they pass muster during audit they will be considered.
I would suggest thinking twice before leaving either operator out of the equation!
I would suggest thinking twice before leaving either operator out of the equation!
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If I wanted to work in Nigeria, I would send my application to both companies and then work for the one that hires me 
If you get two firm offers, it will be much easier to compare them. If you get one offer, it's quite easy to chose. As they say: -It's easier to say no to something you've been offered, than yes to something you didn't get.
And if it turns out you picked the wrong company, the opposition will probably hire you after a year or two if you want to. (Just a guess, never been to Nigeria or know anything about CHC & OLOG)
Good luck!
/2beers
If you get two firm offers, it will be much easier to compare them. If you get one offer, it's quite easy to chose. As they say: -It's easier to say no to something you've been offered, than yes to something you didn't get.
And if it turns out you picked the wrong company, the opposition will probably hire you after a year or two if you want to. (Just a guess, never been to Nigeria or know anything about CHC & OLOG)
Good luck!
/2beers
NEO says;
"I hear CHC are going to get really aggressive and try to put OLOG out of Nigeria, but some companies (eg Shell/ExxonMobil) won't touch them."
That'll be why Shell are using ACN Dash Eights then, I guess!
"I hear CHC are going to get really aggressive and try to put OLOG out of Nigeria, but some companies (eg Shell/ExxonMobil) won't touch them."
That'll be why Shell are using ACN Dash Eights then, I guess!
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I hear CHC are going to get really aggressive and try to put OLOG out of Nigeria, but some companies (eg Shell/ExxonMobil) won't touch them. My money is on OLOG. They seem to be going through a revamp and appear to have client loyalty.
Nigerian In Law
2beers/212man
As I said, not authoritative, just my thoughts. This is a rumour network after all !!
It wouldn't be beyond the bounds of probability that policy (if that's what it was) has changed.
I did hear that Shell have block booked seats on the ACN 737 between Lagos and Port Harcourt, but that isn't exactly a contract award surely ?
As for jobs, I agree that the highest bidder/best conditions would get their man.
Cheers,
NEO.
It wouldn't be beyond the bounds of probability that policy (if that's what it was) has changed.
I did hear that Shell have block booked seats on the ACN 737 between Lagos and Port Harcourt, but that isn't exactly a contract award surely ?
As for jobs, I agree that the highest bidder/best conditions would get their man.
Cheers,
NEO.
NEO,
...and the Dash 8 from LOS-OSU.
I don't think anyone is taking anything for granted.
...and the Dash 8 from LOS-OSU.
I don't think anyone is taking anything for granted.
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I'd go for Bristow.
The downside - you get 5 months leave a year compared with 6 months with ACN.
The upside -
The money is much better even for the extra time and is a known quantity. Nobody in ACN seems to have a clue what's happening to their salaries since the CHC take-over and a number of people have already quit to join Bristow - it doesn't seem to happen the other way around at the moment, now that Bristow has stopped laying off its older pilots.
Bristow have the key contracts with the world's two major oil companies, Exxon/Mobil and Shell, plus Chevron/Texaco through the other OLOG company, Pan African. ACN have contracts with AGIP and TotalFina Elf - much smaller players on the global scene.
By and large Bristow have much better accomodation (depending on which oil company contract you're employed on). In Lagos, for example they live in the Sheraton Hotel with all its leisure facilities, or in the BRC with swimming pool, tenis and squash. In Warri, different contracts also have reasonable accomodation and most pilots have access to swimming pool, tennis, squash and golf. If you're one of the very few ACN pilots in Warri, you'll have access to a swiming pool, but it doesn't matter because the housing is primitive and the estate they live on, itself becomes a swimming pool every rainy season!
In Port Harcourt the Bristow accomodation is a long way from town, but the houses are first class and all sporting amenities are there. For poor second-class ACN's 60 or more pilots in Port Harcourt, after years of neglect the accomodation has now been improved to a lousy standard (as opposed to an appalling standard before 
), the food seems to give lots of people digestive problems and as for the swimming pool - after years and years of promises and prospective pilots being shown pictures of the Lagos pool and told this was what awaited them in PH - best not to ask. The last one was to have been built alongside the manager's house, the money was supposedly approved, but as usual nothing happened. The airconditioners mostly belong in a museum or in a second-hand stall at Mile One market (unless you're lucky enough to be living with the manager or ops manager, in which case you'll have nice split units). There are a few sweaty gym facilities in a converted garage and other than that nada If you go to Eket it depends where you live. The accomodation is very variable, but the sporting facilities at QIT are good, including a golf course.
Bristow has a couple of downsides. There is still very much a culture of 'we know best' and this extends to your personal life as much as your professional life. They seem to think that because you're living in housing provide by them (which they're obliged to do) they can control your personal life in all sorts of ways which would be totally unacceptable if you were staying in company housing or a hotel in Europe. Since 'Big Al' left the company lays pilots off much more quickly and in the fairly recent past laid off most of its pilots over the age of 57 as a result of a decision (subsequently changed) by Exxon/Mobil.
Both companies are expanding and modernising their fleets. With Bristow they operate mostly Bell 212/412, S76, AS332 and EC155 (though there are rumors of Shell replacing them soon). ACN operate mostly SA365N, N1 and N2 (though these are now fairly elderly and rumor has it that many of them will be replaced with 365N3 or S76C+ fairly soon) and S76B/C+.
At the end of the day, if you have the qualifications both of them will probably offer you a job. It depends which one you feel most comfortable with and whether you think CHC will improve on the old Schreiner pay deal as it's all up in the air (though they do seem to be listening and responding positively to inputs from the new staff association.
Hope that helps. Whichever you chose, let us know how it works out.
The downside - you get 5 months leave a year compared with 6 months with ACN.
The upside -
The money is much better even for the extra time and is a known quantity. Nobody in ACN seems to have a clue what's happening to their salaries since the CHC take-over and a number of people have already quit to join Bristow - it doesn't seem to happen the other way around at the moment, now that Bristow has stopped laying off its older pilots.
Bristow have the key contracts with the world's two major oil companies, Exxon/Mobil and Shell, plus Chevron/Texaco through the other OLOG company, Pan African. ACN have contracts with AGIP and TotalFina Elf - much smaller players on the global scene.
By and large Bristow have much better accomodation (depending on which oil company contract you're employed on). In Lagos, for example they live in the Sheraton Hotel with all its leisure facilities, or in the BRC with swimming pool, tenis and squash. In Warri, different contracts also have reasonable accomodation and most pilots have access to swimming pool, tennis, squash and golf. If you're one of the very few ACN pilots in Warri, you'll have access to a swiming pool, but it doesn't matter because the housing is primitive and the estate they live on, itself becomes a swimming pool every rainy season!
In Port Harcourt the Bristow accomodation is a long way from town, but the houses are first class and all sporting amenities are there. For poor second-class ACN's 60 or more pilots in Port Harcourt, after years of neglect the accomodation has now been improved to a lousy standard (as opposed to an appalling standard before ), the food seems to give lots of people digestive problems and as for the swimming pool - after years and years of promises and prospective pilots being shown pictures of the Lagos pool and told this was what awaited them in PH - best not to ask. The last one was to have been built alongside the manager's house, the money was supposedly approved, but as usual nothing happened. The airconditioners mostly belong in a museum or in a second-hand stall at Mile One market (unless you're lucky enough to be living with the manager or ops manager, in which case you'll have nice split units). There are a few sweaty gym facilities in a converted garage and other than that nada If you go to Eket it depends where you live. The accomodation is very variable, but the sporting facilities at QIT are good, including a golf course.Bristow has a couple of downsides. There is still very much a culture of 'we know best' and this extends to your personal life as much as your professional life. They seem to think that because you're living in housing provide by them (which they're obliged to do) they can control your personal life in all sorts of ways which would be totally unacceptable if you were staying in company housing or a hotel in Europe. Since 'Big Al' left the company lays pilots off much more quickly and in the fairly recent past laid off most of its pilots over the age of 57 as a result of a decision (subsequently changed) by Exxon/Mobil.
Both companies are expanding and modernising their fleets. With Bristow they operate mostly Bell 212/412, S76, AS332 and EC155 (though there are rumors of Shell replacing them soon). ACN operate mostly SA365N, N1 and N2 (though these are now fairly elderly and rumor has it that many of them will be replaced with 365N3 or S76C+ fairly soon) and S76B/C+.
At the end of the day, if you have the qualifications both of them will probably offer you a job. It depends which one you feel most comfortable with and whether you think CHC will improve on the old Schreiner pay deal as it's all up in the air (though they do seem to be listening and responding positively to inputs from the new staff association.
Hope that helps. Whichever you chose, let us know how it works out.
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anjouan,
Have a look at today's thread about the CEO of OLOG being fired and the CFO resigning, along with the speculation about it possibly having to do with Nigeria. Remember the other comment about how Bristow and Pan African are operating for large companies like Exxon/Mobil and Chev/Tex and these big American oil companies don't like a nasty whiff of scandal involving bribery and corruption.
If you're in a position to wait, I'd just see what CHC are going to do about the pay in ACN and see if this OLOG scandal has any fallout in Nigeria. It should become obvious fairly quickly
Have a look at today's thread about the CEO of OLOG being fired and the CFO resigning, along with the speculation about it possibly having to do with Nigeria. Remember the other comment about how Bristow and Pan African are operating for large companies like Exxon/Mobil and Chev/Tex and these big American oil companies don't like a nasty whiff of scandal involving bribery and corruption.
If you're in a position to wait, I'd just see what CHC are going to do about the pay in ACN and see if this OLOG scandal has any fallout in Nigeria. It should become obvious fairly quickly
