CHC MCA Transition
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 236
Likes: 4
From: All over the place
Apparently there is now serious concern within CHC on the ability to meet the contractual requirements as they are reliant upon retaining the Bristow crews to staff the operations. The concern continues as they realise that assimilating strangers (and former competitors) into the system is hardly grounds to build a cohesive operational team! If the crews don't move, maybe a bunch of "Europeans" will meet the requirments - but the clock is ticking!
The second issue is the availability of operationally equipped aircraft. Looks like there may be S61's in operation for a while yet!
And the Aberdeen scuttlebutt has it that all the redundant MCA equipment is being redeployed and would not be available to extend beyond the original contract expiration without a significant contractual commitment from someone.
Might make for some very interesting viewing!
The second issue is the availability of operationally equipped aircraft. Looks like there may be S61's in operation for a while yet!
And the Aberdeen scuttlebutt has it that all the redundant MCA equipment is being redeployed and would not be available to extend beyond the original contract expiration without a significant contractual commitment from someone.
Might make for some very interesting viewing!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: UK
I have heard that rumour too,hence my comment earlier about what happens if Bristow don't agree to extend their contract (i.e. "pull the rug" Droopy Stops ).
CHC says it has other S61Ns it can bring in with SAR equipment...really ????
CHC says it has other S61Ns it can bring in with SAR equipment...really ????
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: EGPB/EGPD
Well CHC could always drag some of the S-61N's from Ireland.
As you are well aware they hold the SAR contract there.
And am sure they have a few 61N'S stored away somewhere that they could re-roll for SAR ops
Cheers,
Shetlander
As you are well aware they hold the SAR contract there.
And am sure they have a few 61N'S stored away somewhere that they could re-roll for SAR ops
Cheers,
Shetlander
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 313
Likes: 2
From: PLANET ZOG
Hang on a minute!!!
The M.C.A. contract is for 4xS92's up north and 3xAW139's down south, (remember them.. AW139's. They seem to have been forgotten in this discussion.) not S61's! Anywhere!!! To start with Stornoway on October 31st. The S61's are only supposed to be operated for three months while the crews/engineers who TUPE across are trained on their respective new types.
I am sure that Bristow would be more than happy to let CHC have their(BHL) S61's. At a price!!
But having said that, would Bristow be within their rights to call foul if CHC cannot fulfil the new contract? ie. go for a rebid.
The M.C.A. contract is for 4xS92's up north and 3xAW139's down south, (remember them.. AW139's. They seem to have been forgotten in this discussion.) not S61's! Anywhere!!! To start with Stornoway on October 31st. The S61's are only supposed to be operated for three months while the crews/engineers who TUPE across are trained on their respective new types.
I am sure that Bristow would be more than happy to let CHC have their(BHL) S61's. At a price!!
But having said that, would Bristow be within their rights to call foul if CHC cannot fulfil the new contract? ie. go for a rebid.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Hmmmm....
...I suggest that only the MCA could cry foul and unless the sponsons really fall off they probably won't do that.
Whilst interest is sure growing as to how this whole thing is going to play out, I think we best wait and see how CHC actually do before slating them too much - there is a lot at stake for them here and i'm sure that no stone will be left unturned to try and make this work, at (almost) whatever cost.
That said, the finger must be tracking slowly towards the "smug mode" button at Bristows...and if memory serves correctly Bristow do indeed also own some hardware in disguise in Ireland...
Whilst interest is sure growing as to how this whole thing is going to play out, I think we best wait and see how CHC actually do before slating them too much - there is a lot at stake for them here and i'm sure that no stone will be left unturned to try and make this work, at (almost) whatever cost.
That said, the finger must be tracking slowly towards the "smug mode" button at Bristows...and if memory serves correctly Bristow do indeed also own some hardware in disguise in Ireland...
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Germany
rumour
rotor-rooter
[The concern continues as they realise that assimilating strangers (and former competitors) into the system is hardly grounds to build a cohesive operational team! If the crews don't move, maybe a bunch of Europeans will meet the requirments - but the clock is ticking!]
heli1 [I have heard that rumour too,]
So what rumours did you hear then exactly...
[The concern continues as they realise that assimilating strangers (and former competitors) into the system is hardly grounds to build a cohesive operational team! If the crews don't move, maybe a bunch of Europeans will meet the requirments - but the clock is ticking!]
heli1 [I have heard that rumour too,]
So what rumours did you hear then exactly...
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 110
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From: Oop North
Like all contracts this one will have its teething problems. I am sure CHC will have in place penalty clauses with both Sikorsky and Augusta/Westland if they don't deliver a/c on time and MCA has operated helicopters long enough to know what can go wrong which is outside the control of the supplier.
As for crews they can always be found - it may cost CHC more than they want to pay but they will find them. Pilots are a mercenary bunch and increased pay will always drag some pilots into the CHC net
Bristows I am sure will also help out as it would not be in their interest to upset MCA by behaving in a petulant manner by taking their "ball" away to play somewhere else.
332M
As for crews they can always be found - it may cost CHC more than they want to pay but they will find them. Pilots are a mercenary bunch and increased pay will always drag some pilots into the CHC net
Bristows I am sure will also help out as it would not be in their interest to upset MCA by behaving in a petulant manner by taking their "ball" away to play somewhere else.
332M
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Lapland
Half Empty/Half Full (Fool)
"As for crews they can always be found - it may cost CHC more than they want to pay but they will find them. Pilots are a mercenary bunch and increased pay will always drag some pilots into the CHC net"
Am I right in thinking you need crewmen, engineers etc to run a SAR operation, just a minor observation............
"Am I right in thinking you need crewmen, engineers etc to run a SAR operation, just a minor observation............
That's Life!!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: Out of the sand pit, carving a path through our jungle.
flungdung
Wrong about the number of airframes, currently 7 (5 AWSAR and 2 LIMSAR).
Also wrong, LIMSAR does not equal day only, just some restrictions on night operations and IFR work, dependant on any number of factors.
They have 4 bases and 6 S61N's.
(which last time I heard were only LIMSAR i.e no SN501 autopilot and therefore day only)
That's Life!!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: Out of the sand pit, carving a path through our jungle.
I personally would not consider night decks in a LIMSAR aircraft on a dark night.
my quote
dependant on any number of factors
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Oop North
Jingle Bells
"Am I right in thinking you need crewmen, engineers etc to run a SAR operation, just a minor observation"
you are absolutely right however this is Pprune where the second p is for pilot
332M
"Am I right in thinking you need crewmen, engineers etc to run a SAR operation, just a minor observation"
you are absolutely right however this is Pprune where the second p is for pilot
332M
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Up to my axles
Full manning
Wiretensioner,
to run a SAR operation you need:
Management
Pilots
Winch ops
Winchmen
Engineers
Labourers
Radio operaters
Secretaries
Cleaners
Caterers
Postmen
and uncle Tom Cobley and all.
To complain that someone on a P Pilots RUNE is being petulant by having pilots as his main frame of reference is IMHO a little perverse.
to run a SAR operation you need:
Management
Pilots
Winch ops
Winchmen
Engineers
Labourers
Radio operaters
Secretaries
Cleaners
Caterers
Postmen
and uncle Tom Cobley and all.
To complain that someone on a P Pilots RUNE is being petulant by having pilots as his main frame of reference is IMHO a little perverse.
That's Life!!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: Out of the sand pit, carving a path through our jungle.
to run a SAR operation you need:
Radio operaters
Secretaries
Caterers
Postmen
Secretaries
Caterers
Postmen
Maybe Management should be included in the above?
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Oop North
Wiretensioner and Flungdung
I am sorry that I have disturbed the chips on your shoulders but this is a Pilot's rumour network and of course pilot's views will form the main emphasis of any thread. I think that the term Petulant Pilot shows your true colours and I wouldn't want you in my crew as I think you will probably have serious CRM issues.
I have the utmost respect for the guys who go down on the wire and literally put their lives in my hands and most of these fine people have formed the core of an excellent crew. There are, always, however those who do not fit in and perhaps we have 2 cases here.
I have no problem with non-pilot's commenting on any web site but it is a bit rich criticising pilots for talking about pilot jobs on a pilot's rumour network.
332M
I am sorry that I have disturbed the chips on your shoulders but this is a Pilot's rumour network and of course pilot's views will form the main emphasis of any thread. I think that the term Petulant Pilot shows your true colours and I wouldn't want you in my crew as I think you will probably have serious CRM issues.
I have the utmost respect for the guys who go down on the wire and literally put their lives in my hands and most of these fine people have formed the core of an excellent crew. There are, always, however those who do not fit in and perhaps we have 2 cases here.
I have no problem with non-pilot's commenting on any web site but it is a bit rich criticising pilots for talking about pilot jobs on a pilot's rumour network.
332M
Joined: Apr 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 1,814
From: EGDC
One of the transition teams is being trained at Waterford on the S61 as we speak, I saw them there yesterday (strangely all but one ex-military
).
Thanks for hosting us chaps - Guinness really does taste better in Ireland
).Thanks for hosting us chaps - Guinness really does taste better in Ireland
