North Sea pilots have changed... listen to them!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
North Sea pilots have changed... listen to them!
As you read these lines feeling really disappointed for the poor offers Bristow and Scotia have given to their pilots, you know that we, the North Sea helicopter pilots, have changed.
We have changed and left behind the days when we accepted a win-lose situation: oil companies and helicopter operators making a huge profit while we got the sack and deterioration in our family life style. Now we are leading the story to a win-win end, where oil companies will have the efficient service they want, helicopter companies will make their profit, whilst we will feel recognised for the service we provide, and for the experience we have built up through years, decades of our lives given to this industry.
We have changed and now we are a united front prepared to take any action to make the industry aware of our position.
We have changed and now we demand long-term prospects in our career in the North Sea. We are a professional group willing to have the job done efficiently, safely and at the right price.
We have changed and now we are not just commanders of ageing helicopters, we are again commanders of our careers and our lives.
It will be just a matter of weeks for us to be flying again feeling that we have been heard and we have been recognised for the role we play in the ‘industry that moves the world’, for our role in the industry that ‘works the skies’.
When that happens, you will thank only one person in particular: yourself. Because it will be your attitude in the days to follow, your decisions in the days to follow, the key to open the door for this new era in the North Sea.
When that happens you will know that you and your family have got back job stability, not just for this year, but also for the years to come. This will be a well-deserved award for the skilful and brave people who dare to face hardly-to-believe aviation scenarios in a daily basis with their flashing blades over the North Sea.
Now the big question is: What are YOU prepared to do to make sure that oil companies, BHL and Scotia are aware that YOU HAVE CHANGED?
We have changed and left behind the days when we accepted a win-lose situation: oil companies and helicopter operators making a huge profit while we got the sack and deterioration in our family life style. Now we are leading the story to a win-win end, where oil companies will have the efficient service they want, helicopter companies will make their profit, whilst we will feel recognised for the service we provide, and for the experience we have built up through years, decades of our lives given to this industry.
We have changed and now we are a united front prepared to take any action to make the industry aware of our position.
We have changed and now we demand long-term prospects in our career in the North Sea. We are a professional group willing to have the job done efficiently, safely and at the right price.
We have changed and now we are not just commanders of ageing helicopters, we are again commanders of our careers and our lives.
It will be just a matter of weeks for us to be flying again feeling that we have been heard and we have been recognised for the role we play in the ‘industry that moves the world’, for our role in the industry that ‘works the skies’.
When that happens, you will thank only one person in particular: yourself. Because it will be your attitude in the days to follow, your decisions in the days to follow, the key to open the door for this new era in the North Sea.
When that happens you will know that you and your family have got back job stability, not just for this year, but also for the years to come. This will be a well-deserved award for the skilful and brave people who dare to face hardly-to-believe aviation scenarios in a daily basis with their flashing blades over the North Sea.
Now the big question is: What are YOU prepared to do to make sure that oil companies, BHL and Scotia are aware that YOU HAVE CHANGED?
It's not just an adventure....
it's just a job!
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Philippines
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Excuse me 100% but what do you mean by change? At the risk of taking a broadside, I'll have to make at least one comment.
BHL, I have no interest in, but Scotia I do. When I see what has been offered to Scotia and then I look at what we got at CHC this year, I have to ask myself: Is this the classic case of the Tail Wagging the Dog?
Give me a break and please grow up and act like the professionals you're supposed to be.
OffshoreIgor
PS. This is not a wind up, I'm Bloody Serious.
BHL, I have no interest in, but Scotia I do. When I see what has been offered to Scotia and then I look at what we got at CHC this year, I have to ask myself: Is this the classic case of the Tail Wagging the Dog?
Give me a break and please grow up and act like the professionals you're supposed to be.
OffshoreIgor PS. This is not a wind up, I'm Bloody Serious.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Scotland
Age: 70
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
offshoreigor:
By all means visit our forum and make your comments but don't whinge at us because we are not prepared to be walked all over. At last we have a united front in the North Sea and long may it continue. I assume that your comment implies that we should accept a pathetically low offer because you North American chappies have done so. Well all I can say is each to their own. We won't stick our noses into your affairs if you oblige by doing the same.
We are bloody serious too!
Happy flying!
By all means visit our forum and make your comments but don't whinge at us because we are not prepared to be walked all over. At last we have a united front in the North Sea and long may it continue. I assume that your comment implies that we should accept a pathetically low offer because you North American chappies have done so. Well all I can say is each to their own. We won't stick our noses into your affairs if you oblige by doing the same.
We are bloody serious too!
Happy flying!
Guest
Posts: n/a
Offshoreigor,
maybe you should ask CHC for a payrise, with all the cash that they are diverting from the north sea to Canada they can well afford it.
Don't winge at us, have a winge at your lot over on that side of the pond.
'Have a nice day',
Chopperman.
maybe you should ask CHC for a payrise, with all the cash that they are diverting from the north sea to Canada they can well afford it.
Don't winge at us, have a winge at your lot over on that side of the pond.
'Have a nice day',
Chopperman.
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Saint Kilda
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Offshoreigor,
100% has got it right.
You may only have got x% from where you work, but here we do want to get back to normal aviation rates as applied to fix-wing in this country.
I think you were very derogtary in your remarks, and 100% may have worded a few things wrong, but of course, he's got it right with the gist of the matter.
Stop playing around like R44 or 206 pilots, which is another ball-game altogether. It is proffesionally acceptable to ask S-76, S-61, AS332, etc, etc, pilots to ask for a decent career structure.
Are they going to pay tilt-wing people the present rate for offshore pilots?
Managers, get it sorted out on your next tenders!
100% has got it right.
You may only have got x% from where you work, but here we do want to get back to normal aviation rates as applied to fix-wing in this country.
I think you were very derogtary in your remarks, and 100% may have worded a few things wrong, but of course, he's got it right with the gist of the matter.
Stop playing around like R44 or 206 pilots, which is another ball-game altogether. It is proffesionally acceptable to ask S-76, S-61, AS332, etc, etc, pilots to ask for a decent career structure.
Are they going to pay tilt-wing people the present rate for offshore pilots?
Managers, get it sorted out on your next tenders!
It's not just an adventure....
it's just a job!
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Philippines
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
disstings:
For starters, I am not winging. I'm merely trying to state a fact. Tariffs are in the foreseeable future not going to change. One only has to get out his/her calculator to see that if the Industry were to pay Airline salaries, the Industry would be out of business.
I have been flying S61 and S76 offshore for about the last 20 years and have seen no appreciable change in rates. Although your colleagues cause for the betterment of your situation is admirable, it is somewhat reminicent of looking at life through rose tinted glasses. In a perfect world, you would get what you want. This is not a perfect world.
You mentioned "All the North Sea Money" going to NA, for starters, it does not represent a very large part of revenues as compared to other worldwide Ops. Secondly, you should pay more attention to long range forecast for the North Sea's viability as a sustainable energy resource, it may give you some food for thought.
Cheers OffshoreIgor
[ 25 July 2001: Message edited by: offshoreigor ]
For starters, I am not winging. I'm merely trying to state a fact. Tariffs are in the foreseeable future not going to change. One only has to get out his/her calculator to see that if the Industry were to pay Airline salaries, the Industry would be out of business.
I have been flying S61 and S76 offshore for about the last 20 years and have seen no appreciable change in rates. Although your colleagues cause for the betterment of your situation is admirable, it is somewhat reminicent of looking at life through rose tinted glasses. In a perfect world, you would get what you want. This is not a perfect world.
You mentioned "All the North Sea Money" going to NA, for starters, it does not represent a very large part of revenues as compared to other worldwide Ops. Secondly, you should pay more attention to long range forecast for the North Sea's viability as a sustainable energy resource, it may give you some food for thought.
Cheers
OffshoreIgor [ 25 July 2001: Message edited by: offshoreigor ]
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Aberdeen,UK
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well offshoreigor
Your happy with your small payrise because you've seen no appreciable change in your rates over the past 20 years.Whereas here in the north sea there HAS been an appreciable change.Specifically for Captains whose salary has consistently dropped over the past 20 years in real terms.In recent times First Officer salaries have increased to attract new blood into the industry but most only stay for a short time realising theres better rewards elsewhere.Canada obviously does not have this problem.
Oil companies in recent times have been reporting multi £Billion PROFITS so I think they can fork out a little to keep the industry as professional and safe as it has been for the last 20 years.
Good luck North Sea pilots you deserve it!
Your happy with your small payrise because you've seen no appreciable change in your rates over the past 20 years.Whereas here in the north sea there HAS been an appreciable change.Specifically for Captains whose salary has consistently dropped over the past 20 years in real terms.In recent times First Officer salaries have increased to attract new blood into the industry but most only stay for a short time realising theres better rewards elsewhere.Canada obviously does not have this problem.
Oil companies in recent times have been reporting multi £Billion PROFITS so I think they can fork out a little to keep the industry as professional and safe as it has been for the last 20 years.
Good luck North Sea pilots you deserve it!
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Saint Kilda
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You have seen no increase in rates because you haven't tried , or needed to.
A new captain in the North Sea will get around £37K, whilst a new narrow body captain will get around £60K.
You've heard of rip-off Britain in prices, well no wonder we want to keep pace with our proffesional mates.
We're all from the same neck of the woods as far as aviation is concerned, but poor old Mrs North Sea pilot and children wonder why their standard of living seems to be going down.
Cheers!
A new captain in the North Sea will get around £37K, whilst a new narrow body captain will get around £60K.
You've heard of rip-off Britain in prices, well no wonder we want to keep pace with our proffesional mates.
We're all from the same neck of the woods as far as aviation is concerned, but poor old Mrs North Sea pilot and children wonder why their standard of living seems to be going down.
Cheers!
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Scotland
Age: 70
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Problemchild:
Your comparison is somewhat biased making me wonder where are you coming from. How can you compare fares charged by a bucket and spade air line with contract prices charged to a multi billion pound industry. Especially when 2 of the major players in that industry have announced consecutive record profits in the last 2 quaters. Are you a management plant? If not get real!
Your comparison is somewhat biased making me wonder where are you coming from. How can you compare fares charged by a bucket and spade air line with contract prices charged to a multi billion pound industry. Especially when 2 of the major players in that industry have announced consecutive record profits in the last 2 quaters. Are you a management plant? If not get real!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
offshoreigor:
Thanks for your professional comments.
As a North Sea professional I will not make any comments about helicopter industry in Canada because, although I may have a rough idea about the offshore industry there, at the end of the day I don’t have all the facts I need to get a well based opinion. On the other hand, I do keep my position and my ideas regarding the North Sea industry, since my day to day experience, the meetings I attend, the facts and figures (not rumours) I have in hand, lead my to know that the situation we are living today in the North Sea is unique and we must use it.
It’s not just Scotia and Bristow… North Sea also means Norsk Helicopters and Helikopter Services. And they have similar agendas to the ones we have.
I would be interested in knowing any information you may have as a Training Captain in Canada that could be translated to our particular situation. I’m always looking forward to positive and constructive feedback. If you are not fully aware of our situation, please let me know. I will be pleased to e-mail you all the documentation and figures that will enable you to help us in this particular moment.
Thanking you in advance,
100%RPM
Thanks for your professional comments.
As a North Sea professional I will not make any comments about helicopter industry in Canada because, although I may have a rough idea about the offshore industry there, at the end of the day I don’t have all the facts I need to get a well based opinion. On the other hand, I do keep my position and my ideas regarding the North Sea industry, since my day to day experience, the meetings I attend, the facts and figures (not rumours) I have in hand, lead my to know that the situation we are living today in the North Sea is unique and we must use it.
It’s not just Scotia and Bristow… North Sea also means Norsk Helicopters and Helikopter Services. And they have similar agendas to the ones we have.
I would be interested in knowing any information you may have as a Training Captain in Canada that could be translated to our particular situation. I’m always looking forward to positive and constructive feedback. If you are not fully aware of our situation, please let me know. I will be pleased to e-mail you all the documentation and figures that will enable you to help us in this particular moment.
Thanking you in advance,
100%RPM
Guest
Posts: n/a
Problemchild,
you obvously don't work in the north sea, either that or you've been on holiday on your home planet for quite some time.
North sea pilots are changing, attitudes are hardening, they are becoming more organised and unified, Balpa membership is increasing, links are being formed between the CC's of BHL, Scotia, Helicopter Service, CHC Denmark and others. Most importantly, they all have the same goals.
As for your argument that we are all 'drivers', well we are, and we should all be paid a salary that is commensurate with the job we do. It matters not how many passengers you have sitting behind you, it's the difficulty of the job, the environment in which you work, supply and demand and many other factors which contribute to the final salary equation.
Fly safely,
Chopperman.
you obvously don't work in the north sea, either that or you've been on holiday on your home planet for quite some time.
North sea pilots are changing, attitudes are hardening, they are becoming more organised and unified, Balpa membership is increasing, links are being formed between the CC's of BHL, Scotia, Helicopter Service, CHC Denmark and others. Most importantly, they all have the same goals.
As for your argument that we are all 'drivers', well we are, and we should all be paid a salary that is commensurate with the job we do. It matters not how many passengers you have sitting behind you, it's the difficulty of the job, the environment in which you work, supply and demand and many other factors which contribute to the final salary equation.
Fly safely,
Chopperman.
It's not just an adventure....
it's just a job!
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Philippines
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
100%:
Thankyou for your professional and courtious reply. It's nice to see that some people can still respond to a comment without resorting to immature comments.
I wouldn't know about being a Training Captain in Canada as I deal only with the Offshore/International side of things. We also deal on a day to day basis with many of the same issues that you do in the North Sea environment.
I failed to mention HS Group because they fall under the CHC blanket of companies, but I in no way intended to lessen their significance in your Ops. The HS group as well as Scotia, Bond, Lloyds, Court etc. have only enhanced the professionalismn at CHC.
When I comment on yours and any NS Pilots comments, it only re-enforces the Idea that NS Pilots should have their own Forum. I know you guys like to use PPRUNe as a sounding board, but it's probably better for you to hold your cards a little closer to your chest. It's all fine and dandy to express your opinions and seek advice amongst colleagues but you never know who's listening.
You all have to realise that, although the North Sea environment presents many challenges (been there, done that, bought the T-shirt) but it is not the only place that faces these challenges.
Let's not get into a P1SS1ng contest over the rotten conditions. I realise that Aberdeen is not the cheapest place to own a home, but other than putting a roof over your head, it's not much more expensive than other places in the world.
I'm no expert on your conditions but I do know that it is only relative to where you live.
Cheers OffshoreIgor
Thankyou for your professional and courtious reply. It's nice to see that some people can still respond to a comment without resorting to immature comments.
I wouldn't know about being a Training Captain in Canada as I deal only with the Offshore/International side of things. We also deal on a day to day basis with many of the same issues that you do in the North Sea environment.
I failed to mention HS Group because they fall under the CHC blanket of companies, but I in no way intended to lessen their significance in your Ops. The HS group as well as Scotia, Bond, Lloyds, Court etc. have only enhanced the professionalismn at CHC.
When I comment on yours and any NS Pilots comments, it only re-enforces the Idea that NS Pilots should have their own Forum. I know you guys like to use PPRUNe as a sounding board, but it's probably better for you to hold your cards a little closer to your chest. It's all fine and dandy to express your opinions and seek advice amongst colleagues but you never know who's listening.
You all have to realise that, although the North Sea environment presents many challenges (been there, done that, bought the T-shirt) but it is not the only place that faces these challenges.
Let's not get into a P1SS1ng contest over the rotten conditions. I realise that Aberdeen is not the cheapest place to own a home, but other than putting a roof over your head, it's not much more expensive than other places in the world.
I'm no expert on your conditions but I do know that it is only relative to where you live.
Cheers
OffshoreIgor
