East Anglian Air Ambulance temporarily grounded/Longmint status
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Digital Flight Deck.
We're just keeping our noses to the grindstone and concentrating on doing our jobs. We have no control over what happens in the rest of the group so theres little point in worrying about it.
We're just keeping our noses to the grindstone and concentrating on doing our jobs. We have no control over what happens in the rest of the group so theres little point in worrying about it.
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Be concerned, very concerned.
freon1978
I can only conclude from your posting that you must be one of the DIRECTORS OF LONGMINT. I cannot imagine anyone else being that blase about everything.
Are you the female director that reportedly told some employees that if they complained about not being paid she would close the company?
I can only conclude from your posting that you must be one of the DIRECTORS OF LONGMINT. I cannot imagine anyone else being that blase about everything.
Are you the female director that reportedly told some employees that if they complained about not being paid she would close the company?
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WNW
A little harsh I feel, whilst we know the main culprits in this side show I dont think Freon is at that level. From age show and date of joining pprune if nothing else.
There have been posters on other threads that are obviously at managment level, LMF perhaps. But there seems to be very little heard from the higher eschelons in defense of current goings on.
And besides the person to whom you refer never comminicates with anyone! Maybe she should just give up.
Freon is doing the right thing by trying to carry on normally to keep SD or whoever going, hopefully he/she is also keeping their options open
Regards
EM
A little harsh I feel, whilst we know the main culprits in this side show I dont think Freon is at that level. From age show and date of joining pprune if nothing else.
There have been posters on other threads that are obviously at managment level, LMF perhaps. But there seems to be very little heard from the higher eschelons in defense of current goings on.
And besides the person to whom you refer never comminicates with anyone! Maybe she should just give up.
Freon is doing the right thing by trying to carry on normally to keep SD or whoever going, hopefully he/she is also keeping their options open
Regards
EM
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Air ambulance terminates helicopter contract with Sterling - Business - Evening News
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has terminated its helicopter contract with Sterling Aviation.The charity, which leased two yellow aircraft from Sterling, will continue to operate two helicopters through Bond Air Services on an interim basis until a new contract has been awarded.
The news follows the sudden grounding of the two Sterling helicopters last month, which led to the charity putting its contingency plans into place and operating services through Bond.
The reason for the suspension Sterling’s suspension of its flights has not been confirmed, but the company said last month it was working with the Civil Aviation Authority and its customers to resume a normal service as soon as possible.
Both Sterling and Bond have bases at Norwich International Airport.
Steve Whitby, deputy chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service, said: “Our first concern is, and always has been, the people of East Anglia and our priority is to make sure the people of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are well served by a high quality air ambulance.
“So, whilst we begin the process of finding a new permanent aircraft operator, it is very much business as usual for us. We have two helicopters serving the four counties and they continue to provide the same life-saving service.
“Over the past 10 years the East Anglian Air Ambulance has developed a reputation for delivering the best possible pre-hospital care to the people of the region.
“Whilst the situation with Sterling Aviation is regrettable, we have to ensure we continue to operate to the highest standards possible.
“I am hugely encouraged that there has been a smooth transition to an interim operator and this is testament to a strong contingency plan.
“We are now beginning to take the formal steps necessary to bring in a new operator and we will do this with the support of our key stakeholders.”
The news follows the sudden grounding of the two Sterling helicopters last month, which led to the charity putting its contingency plans into place and operating services through Bond.
The reason for the suspension Sterling’s suspension of its flights has not been confirmed, but the company said last month it was working with the Civil Aviation Authority and its customers to resume a normal service as soon as possible.
Both Sterling and Bond have bases at Norwich International Airport.
Steve Whitby, deputy chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service, said: “Our first concern is, and always has been, the people of East Anglia and our priority is to make sure the people of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are well served by a high quality air ambulance.
“So, whilst we begin the process of finding a new permanent aircraft operator, it is very much business as usual for us. We have two helicopters serving the four counties and they continue to provide the same life-saving service.
“Over the past 10 years the East Anglian Air Ambulance has developed a reputation for delivering the best possible pre-hospital care to the people of the region.
“Whilst the situation with Sterling Aviation is regrettable, we have to ensure we continue to operate to the highest standards possible.
“I am hugely encouraged that there has been a smooth transition to an interim operator and this is testament to a strong contingency plan.
“We are now beginning to take the formal steps necessary to bring in a new operator and we will do this with the support of our key stakeholders.”
Thread Starter
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Might be awkward in the car park tomorrow morning!
From today's EDP
Air ambulance terminates helicopter contract with Norwich-based company
By SAM WILLIAMS, Senior business writer Monday, March 7, 2011
5:05 PM
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has terminated its helicopter contract with Sterling Aviation.
The charity, which leased two yellow aircraft from Sterling, will continue to operate two helicopters through Bond Air Services on an interim basis until a new contract has been awarded.
The news follows the sudden grounding of the two Sterling helicopters last month, which led to the charity putting its contingency plans into place and operating services through Bond.
The reason for the suspension Sterling’s suspension of its flights has not been confirmed, but the company said last month it was working with the Civil Aviation Authority and its customers to resume a normal service as soon as possible.
Both Sterling and Bond have bases at Norwich International Airport.
Steve Whitby, deputy chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service, said: “Our first concern is, and always has been, the people of East Anglia and our priority is to make sure the people of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are well served by a high quality air ambulance.
“So, whilst we begin the process of finding a new permanent aircraft operator, it is very much business as usual for us. We have two helicopters serving the four counties and they continue to provide the same life-saving service.
“Over the past 10 years the East Anglian Air Ambulance has developed a reputation for delivering the best possible pre-hospital care to the people of the region.
“Whilst the situation with Sterling Aviation is regrettable, we have to ensure we continue to operate to the highest standards possible.
“I am hugely encouraged that there has been a smooth transition to an interim operator and this is testament to a strong contingency plan.
“We are now beginning to take the formal steps necessary to bring in a new operator and we will do this with the support of our key stakeholders.”
Do you have information on Sterling Aviation? Call senior business writer Sam Williams on 01603 772447 or email [email protected]
Air ambulance terminates helicopter contract with Norwich-based company
By SAM WILLIAMS, Senior business writer Monday, March 7, 2011
5:05 PM
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has terminated its helicopter contract with Sterling Aviation.
The charity, which leased two yellow aircraft from Sterling, will continue to operate two helicopters through Bond Air Services on an interim basis until a new contract has been awarded.
The news follows the sudden grounding of the two Sterling helicopters last month, which led to the charity putting its contingency plans into place and operating services through Bond.
The reason for the suspension Sterling’s suspension of its flights has not been confirmed, but the company said last month it was working with the Civil Aviation Authority and its customers to resume a normal service as soon as possible.
Both Sterling and Bond have bases at Norwich International Airport.
Steve Whitby, deputy chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service, said: “Our first concern is, and always has been, the people of East Anglia and our priority is to make sure the people of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are well served by a high quality air ambulance.
“So, whilst we begin the process of finding a new permanent aircraft operator, it is very much business as usual for us. We have two helicopters serving the four counties and they continue to provide the same life-saving service.
“Over the past 10 years the East Anglian Air Ambulance has developed a reputation for delivering the best possible pre-hospital care to the people of the region.
“Whilst the situation with Sterling Aviation is regrettable, we have to ensure we continue to operate to the highest standards possible.
“I am hugely encouraged that there has been a smooth transition to an interim operator and this is testament to a strong contingency plan.
“We are now beginning to take the formal steps necessary to bring in a new operator and we will do this with the support of our key stakeholders.”
Do you have information on Sterling Aviation? Call senior business writer Sam Williams on 01603 772447 or email [email protected]
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MNW
Have I been promoted and no one told me again.....?
No..Your conclusion is absolutely wrong. I'm just an employee who wants to see his company succeed, therefore securing his job and doesn't want to see a good company like Skydrifts name dragged through the mud.
ExMAGE
"Freon is doing the right thing by trying to carry on normally to keep SD or whoever going, hopefully he/she is also keeping their options open"
a good summary.
Have I been promoted and no one told me again.....?
No..Your conclusion is absolutely wrong. I'm just an employee who wants to see his company succeed, therefore securing his job and doesn't want to see a good company like Skydrifts name dragged through the mud.
ExMAGE
"Freon is doing the right thing by trying to carry on normally to keep SD or whoever going, hopefully he/she is also keeping their options open"
a good summary.
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Well that was pretty much expected, I echo congratulations to the EAAA and those involved in maintaining the service despite the complete failure of LMA. I am saddened by the effect that this will have on those who thought there might be a lifeline. Hopefully the excellent crews will not be left high and dry.
Next
Next
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Freon, on reflection I feel I owe you an apology, it was not my intention to bad-mouth Skydrift per se.
It is unfortunate, but just like EAAA and Sterling, you the "lions" are being led by "donkeys".
May I politely suggest that you remove your noses from the grindstone just long enough to glance at the Writing On The Wall?
Then get some writing on a C.V.
I sincerely hope thing turn out well for you and Skydrift, but I am sure that Longmint have royally bu**ered-up everything they have touched, and your company is likely to be carried along on the wave of incompetance.
It is unfortunate, but just like EAAA and Sterling, you the "lions" are being led by "donkeys".
May I politely suggest that you remove your noses from the grindstone just long enough to glance at the Writing On The Wall?
Then get some writing on a C.V.
I sincerely hope thing turn out well for you and Skydrift, but I am sure that Longmint have royally bu**ered-up everything they have touched, and your company is likely to be carried along on the wave of incompetance.
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And when that happens to a company it can only mean cash flow problems.
These must be interesting times in the Longmint office.
With the police and ambulance contracts gone where is the income going to come from to cover the lease/ insurance etc of grounded aircraft? Staff, buildings and other operational costs will be stacking as the revenue dries up.
This must be a very sad time for Gerry (who built the operation from one helicopter) to watch it all falling apart.
Now for facts on the ground. To get a picture of how the new air ambulance operation slots together the following may help.
There are 4 hangars at the western end of the field (south of 27 threshold). Google earth shows the layout well.
Sterling live in the most northerly (H14).
Sterling sub-let 1/2 the next down (H13) to NHV, and use the other 1/2 for storage, with offices on two floors to the rear - top floor is EAAA.
Sterling sub-let the next down (H12), currently 1/2 to Bond Offshore and 1/2 to Centreline (5 Rockwell Commanders maint), but in a couple of weeks Centreline leave and Bond OH take the whole of H12.
Skydrift live in most of the most southerly (H10) (there is no H11), but accommodate SaxonAir's EC120 while the new Saxon hangar is being built at the south end of taxiway E (not yet on G-earth) but due to open around Easter.
The EAAA operation is based in offices to landside of H13, and Bond Air Services have simply begun using those facilities, although I guess there may be some synergy with BOH in H12.
I understand EAAA were threatened that if they pulled the contract from Sterling they would be ejected from the offices forthwith (no prizes for guessing who made the threat), but in the event I understand EAAA are fully covered by a clause giving them 3 months notice in the event of contract termination. This I would guess would give sufficient security of tenure that Sterling will probably be history before they have to move out.
In any event EAAA have additional accommodation immediately adjacent to the field 1/2 mile south, which could hold their admin staff, and the crews could easily slide into H12 with BOH (as sister Co) without crowding.
There can be no doubt that Bond will get the contract but I feel for the staff at Sterling who played no part in this saga.
These must be interesting times in the Longmint office.
With the police and ambulance contracts gone where is the income going to come from to cover the lease/ insurance etc of grounded aircraft? Staff, buildings and other operational costs will be stacking as the revenue dries up.
This must be a very sad time for Gerry (who built the operation from one helicopter) to watch it all falling apart.
Now for facts on the ground. To get a picture of how the new air ambulance operation slots together the following may help.
There are 4 hangars at the western end of the field (south of 27 threshold). Google earth shows the layout well.
Sterling live in the most northerly (H14).
Sterling sub-let 1/2 the next down (H13) to NHV, and use the other 1/2 for storage, with offices on two floors to the rear - top floor is EAAA.
Sterling sub-let the next down (H12), currently 1/2 to Bond Offshore and 1/2 to Centreline (5 Rockwell Commanders maint), but in a couple of weeks Centreline leave and Bond OH take the whole of H12.
Skydrift live in most of the most southerly (H10) (there is no H11), but accommodate SaxonAir's EC120 while the new Saxon hangar is being built at the south end of taxiway E (not yet on G-earth) but due to open around Easter.
The EAAA operation is based in offices to landside of H13, and Bond Air Services have simply begun using those facilities, although I guess there may be some synergy with BOH in H12.
I understand EAAA were threatened that if they pulled the contract from Sterling they would be ejected from the offices forthwith (no prizes for guessing who made the threat), but in the event I understand EAAA are fully covered by a clause giving them 3 months notice in the event of contract termination. This I would guess would give sufficient security of tenure that Sterling will probably be history before they have to move out.
In any event EAAA have additional accommodation immediately adjacent to the field 1/2 mile south, which could hold their admin staff, and the crews could easily slide into H12 with BOH (as sister Co) without crowding.
There can be no doubt that Bond will get the contract but I feel for the staff at Sterling who played no part in this saga.
There can be no doubt that Bond will get the contract but I feel for the staff at Sterling who played no part in this saga.
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Teddies out the cot syndrome
This is what happens when you have a 3 year old running the company. Come on everyone has heard of the "terrible twos" but in this scenario the child involved isn't particularly bright so development has been delayed! Possibly dropped on the head at birth?
I blame tv myself. There is that advert where the little boy is boss of the toilet paper company. Maybe they are in cahoots together because producing all this excrement will require an awful lot of toilet paper to clean it up. The Andrex puppy is very cute though.
I heard a rumour that a certain someone got thrown out her office and told to keep walking. There appears to be an awful lot of finger gestures being used! When the bosses don't understand basic spoken english what else is one supposed to do?
I blame tv myself. There is that advert where the little boy is boss of the toilet paper company. Maybe they are in cahoots together because producing all this excrement will require an awful lot of toilet paper to clean it up. The Andrex puppy is very cute though.
I heard a rumour that a certain someone got thrown out her office and told to keep walking. There appears to be an awful lot of finger gestures being used! When the bosses don't understand basic spoken english what else is one supposed to do?
wnw - now that would have been v funny if it wasn't so v tragic!
narrow escape myself - almost signed on the dotted line.....would have done but role subsequently reduced to hangar manager !!!!!!!!!
I suppose should be grateful that atleast they didn't have the manners to inform me of a change of plan so I could read about change of job spec in the local newspaper!
good luck to everyone involved - at the coal face that is........
narrow escape myself - almost signed on the dotted line.....would have done but role subsequently reduced to hangar manager !!!!!!!!!
I suppose should be grateful that atleast they didn't have the manners to inform me of a change of plan so I could read about change of job spec in the local newspaper!
good luck to everyone involved - at the coal face that is........
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EAAA seem to be handling things well in the face of the Sterling mess.
Are there other agendas at play here?
I'm just keen to see the helicopters doing their jobs! It's the Sterling staff I feel sorry for. Air Ambo politics doesn't really float my boat.
Are there other agendas at play here?
I'm just keen to see the helicopters doing their jobs! It's the Sterling staff I feel sorry for. Air Ambo politics doesn't really float my boat.
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No doubt the management are continuing to rearrange the chairs as the Sterling ship continues to sink.
The Ch Eng has now quit because of not being paid.
Be interesting to see how the CAA react to the ongoing debacle.
Yet another day at the office for Longmint
The Ch Eng has now quit because of not being paid.
Be interesting to see how the CAA react to the ongoing debacle.
Yet another day at the office for Longmint
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Observations
No Part M Holder, no Chief Engineer, No AOC, soon no Chief Pilot. This appears to be down to poor senior management. After this little lot can they have any contracts left at all. It would appear unrecoverable from this position unless Longmint were to sell up, but is there any one out there who would buy nothing. Sadly the good Guys and Gals at Sterling are being handed the ****ty end of a stick. Advice to them practice CV writing.
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The Andrex puppy is very cute though.
only to be replaced with a computer generated version......
I would challenge the use of "cute" for the new puppy -
there's just NO substitute for the real thing
