Bristow sponsored cadet (HP61) programme 2021 launched
Yes. There is no such thing as a free lunch. I admire your seemingly dated loyalty, but pilots are ten-a-penny and are treated as such. The motive here is purely building a foundation for the morons at Whitehall to believe Bristow is a favorable place to award big money government contracts to. Look deeper and you'll see the light through the cracks - but loyal people usually take it up the transmission for England don't they?
Rogue Leader
No unemployed pilots ? You obviously not in the position to see what is going on out there.
This week CV's from 2 pilots one with 5000 hours including 900 hours HESLO work, the other 16000 hours with 9000 hours as Puma Captain in North Sea both can't find work. The week before .........3 Cv's
No unemployed pilots ? You obviously not in the position to see what is going on out there.
This week CV's from 2 pilots one with 5000 hours including 900 hours HESLO work, the other 16000 hours with 9000 hours as Puma Captain in North Sea both can't find work. The week before .........3 Cv's
Rogue Leader
No unemployed pilots ? You obviously not in the position to see what is going on out there.
This week CV's from 2 pilots one with 5000 hours including 900 hours HESLO work, the other 16000 hours with 9000 hours as Puma Captain in North Sea both can't find work. The week before .........3 Cv's
No unemployed pilots ? You obviously not in the position to see what is going on out there.
This week CV's from 2 pilots one with 5000 hours including 900 hours HESLO work, the other 16000 hours with 9000 hours as Puma Captain in North Sea both can't find work. The week before .........3 Cv's
CHC HR used a computer screening method for years....box not checked....your CV stayed inside its digital lock box never to be seen.
It was so specific that a 10,000 hour pilot could have excellent credentials but not have the Type Rating....and not be considered while a much lesser qualified pilot but with that box checked....out tumbled his CV for HR to peruse and maybe pass on to the Pilot side ....or not.
When Operators require experienced Pilots to pay for their own Type Ratings.....there's your sign!
It was so specific that a 10,000 hour pilot could have excellent credentials but not have the Type Rating....and not be considered while a much lesser qualified pilot but with that box checked....out tumbled his CV for HR to peruse and maybe pass on to the Pilot side ....or not.
When Operators require experienced Pilots to pay for their own Type Ratings.....there's your sign!
In Macau many years ago they also had a cadet pilot program, where the company selected local applicants off the street and paid for all their pilot training. Not one of them ever made it to Captain at that company.
Bristow are well known for running cadet courses for decades. Most of their experienced Type Trainers and Senior Fleet Captains in Bristow come from graduates of their in house training courses. So, it must work??
I think a large number of pilots on the North Sea, (and quite a few airline pilots) got their first flying job via one of these schemes. With the cost of training today, and the reduction in military spending, it is difficult to see how anyone other than the tiny minority, could afford training without a sponsorship scheme.
I think a large number of pilots on the North Sea, (and quite a few airline pilots) got their first flying job via one of these schemes. With the cost of training today, and the reduction in military spending, it is difficult to see how anyone other than the tiny minority, could afford training without a sponsorship scheme.
Spindlebob,
What you say is correct.
What is not said is such a system as you describe lends itself to fostering a "NIH" attitude meaning "Not Invented Here".....or as we used to describe it....."Father Knows Best".
I watched that play out in a Simulator several times and it was not pretty...but it sure was entertaining watching some Hat Sizes shrink.
Folks that had been set up to think. they could not learn from others but their own small circle quickly found out that was fraught with peril.
What you say is correct.
What is not said is such a system as you describe lends itself to fostering a "NIH" attitude meaning "Not Invented Here".....or as we used to describe it....."Father Knows Best".
I watched that play out in a Simulator several times and it was not pretty...but it sure was entertaining watching some Hat Sizes shrink.
Folks that had been set up to think. they could not learn from others but their own small circle quickly found out that was fraught with peril.
Thread Starter
Yes. There is no such thing as a free lunch. I admire your seemingly dated loyalty, but pilots are ten-a-penny and are treated as such. The motive here is purely building a foundation for the morons at Whitehall to believe Bristow is a favorable place to award big money government contracts to. Look deeper and you'll see the light through the cracks - but loyal people usually take it up the transmission for England don't they?
I think the first sponsored course was in 1973, and this latest offering is the 61st one (pure ab-initio helicopter course, not including the FW conversion courses they also ran in the past) so nothing to do with Whitehall and contracts!
According to my alcohol ravaged brain and advancing years toll upon my memory.....I am thinking the first HP Cadet to rise to the top of the Training Establishment was a two thumbs up fellow, an excellent aviator, a true pleasure to fly with and be around...who was both respected and respectful.....and should have been the role model for all that followed.
That was not the case.....he was in a Class all by himself and lived and breathed Bristow....but in a very healthy way...he could see and acknowledge the Warts too.
We had many enjoyable flights together and always went beyond the minimum required to include doing Touch Down Autorotations in the 212 and simulated Tail Rotor failures which never happened with any other 212 Check Pilot.
We did some on the S-58T with another really. enjoyable guy to fly with ....ex-RAF and not an HP Graduate.
The limited knowledge base that such a system fosters and the incestuous relationship where buddies "check" buddies turnabout....with no leavening from third party sources is what leads to that Achilles Heel.
Rules of Warfare apply....."Never believe your own propaganda.".
We had a wonderful example of that on a couple of occasions that went on to cost the company a lot of money as Standards were lowered due to mediocracy where it was not performance or ability that determined who the "Standards Setters" were.
The best example is when I was told to I wold be doing the VOR Approach at an Airfield during my IF Base Check (done on a VIP Revenue Flight)....which despite my suggestion I was unable to do that Approach Procedure....and when quizzed why not....replied "There is no VOR there." and was told there bloody well is....to be told by the Tower Controller upon requesting that approach....."OH, Captain there is no VOR!".
Folks....you cannot make this stuff up and make it any more ludicrous.
That was not the case.....he was in a Class all by himself and lived and breathed Bristow....but in a very healthy way...he could see and acknowledge the Warts too.
We had many enjoyable flights together and always went beyond the minimum required to include doing Touch Down Autorotations in the 212 and simulated Tail Rotor failures which never happened with any other 212 Check Pilot.
We did some on the S-58T with another really. enjoyable guy to fly with ....ex-RAF and not an HP Graduate.
The limited knowledge base that such a system fosters and the incestuous relationship where buddies "check" buddies turnabout....with no leavening from third party sources is what leads to that Achilles Heel.
Rules of Warfare apply....."Never believe your own propaganda.".
We had a wonderful example of that on a couple of occasions that went on to cost the company a lot of money as Standards were lowered due to mediocracy where it was not performance or ability that determined who the "Standards Setters" were.
The best example is when I was told to I wold be doing the VOR Approach at an Airfield during my IF Base Check (done on a VIP Revenue Flight)....which despite my suggestion I was unable to do that Approach Procedure....and when quizzed why not....replied "There is no VOR there." and was told there bloody well is....to be told by the Tower Controller upon requesting that approach....."OH, Captain there is no VOR!".
Folks....you cannot make this stuff up and make it any more ludicrous.
Also I believe one of the current crop for bristow mentioned they had a 3 year bond on standard pay rates for his exp.
The Bristow cadets have a very reduced pay, but I can't remember what their bond is.
We are the Nomads of the Aviation Industry
Firstly SAS glad your still around, I was starting to wonder!
Our industry has always had the "Good Bad and the Ugly" much like most of aviation so lumping everyone into the same "dirty water" is not a good idea. Anytime any company looks to the future and offers the next generation the opportunity to join the aviation community then I'm all for it. I hope that the new crop are selected with more emphases on their potential as pilots rather than getting the correct ticks in the box. We've all met them over the years. The Bonding argument also has its G,B and U but when any company invests their money in an individual and he/she meets their standards then I personally believe they "have to work for the man". For how long and under what conditions well that's up for discussion. The company's also needs to cut their loses on some and not carry them.
For those who are young and might get disheartened by the negativity that they read here and on other sources take heart, your career is what you make it, it will not be an easy road but boy for me its been a fun road trip.(Most of the time!)
Our industry has always had the "Good Bad and the Ugly" much like most of aviation so lumping everyone into the same "dirty water" is not a good idea. Anytime any company looks to the future and offers the next generation the opportunity to join the aviation community then I'm all for it. I hope that the new crop are selected with more emphases on their potential as pilots rather than getting the correct ticks in the box. We've all met them over the years. The Bonding argument also has its G,B and U but when any company invests their money in an individual and he/she meets their standards then I personally believe they "have to work for the man". For how long and under what conditions well that's up for discussion. The company's also needs to cut their loses on some and not carry them.
For those who are young and might get disheartened by the negativity that they read here and on other sources take heart, your career is what you make it, it will not be an easy road but boy for me its been a fun road trip.(Most of the time!)
Shy of going into the military to get trained for many the only way is via a system such as Bristow offers....at least with Bristow you will not see combat....you may get shot at or even wounded...but it will be during an armed robbery.
That did happen in Lagos, Nigeria as a crew bus was departing for the airport.
if an employer takes you on and you go through their school and obtain your Commercial/Instrument Licenses and a job where you get to gain experience and flying hours....you should expect to pay back on all of that expense.
As in every situation like that....aviation or anything else....the Devil is in the details.....get everything in writing....if a promise is made....document it in triplicate.
Life is like a mountain...if it is smooth...you cannot climb it.
Just make sure what you are getting into when you sign the Contracts.
That did happen in Lagos, Nigeria as a crew bus was departing for the airport.
if an employer takes you on and you go through their school and obtain your Commercial/Instrument Licenses and a job where you get to gain experience and flying hours....you should expect to pay back on all of that expense.
As in every situation like that....aviation or anything else....the Devil is in the details.....get everything in writing....if a promise is made....document it in triplicate.
Life is like a mountain...if it is smooth...you cannot climb it.
Just make sure what you are getting into when you sign the Contracts.
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SAS, it sounds like you were taken pretty hard behind the bike shed by management at some point in your life. I can feel your eyes still watering from here.
Perhaps it is worth looking at this for what it is; a great opportunity to get into aviation.
I speak as someone who took full advantage of being an HP student ........ ahem....... 31 years ago.
When I got to Aberdeen, there were plenty people like you who may have had a similar turn to yourself behind the bike shed with management, and their advice to me was “get out”. This was before I had completed my first type rating on the S61. I saw those people for what they were and just decided to enjoy what was on offer and make my own decisions.
If there is anyone viewing this thread who fancies what is in offer, my advice would be to go for it and don’t listen to any of the bitter old f**ts that feel the need to rain on someone’s parade before they even walk out the door.
XA
Perhaps it is worth looking at this for what it is; a great opportunity to get into aviation.
I speak as someone who took full advantage of being an HP student ........ ahem....... 31 years ago.
When I got to Aberdeen, there were plenty people like you who may have had a similar turn to yourself behind the bike shed with management, and their advice to me was “get out”. This was before I had completed my first type rating on the S61. I saw those people for what they were and just decided to enjoy what was on offer and make my own decisions.
If there is anyone viewing this thread who fancies what is in offer, my advice would be to go for it and don’t listen to any of the bitter old f**ts that feel the need to rain on someone’s parade before they even walk out the door.
XA
So true Sas,
Ah fond memories of being overrun and manhandled (not too gently I might add) by a very annoyed bunch of Nigerians in Escarvos, held against my will in the jungles of New Guinea, and the list goes on. Thanks for the note. I retired in April and like you open cans for Labs and cats. Also I am the proxy "head of the household" but we all know the real truth.
A little sidebar to this thread which might encourage those who work for less than appreciative clients: When I made my last flight on the 28th I landed back at the hangar to be greeted with an airline type Fire Hose salute, as the hangar doors opened the flags of the RAF and Union Jack unfurled and they played the UK National Anthem with most of the work crews including retired past employees. Lunch had a British theme, Bangers, Beef, Sausage rolls ect. and this was all put together by a US client here in the US. The company (Client) web page also had a splash.
So the road to retirement (read career) may not always be smooth and easy but the good clients/companies are out there as demonstrated by my last 15 years with this one. It was both an honor and a pleasure working for them. (Bristow at one time had this contract too)
Ah fond memories of being overrun and manhandled (not too gently I might add) by a very annoyed bunch of Nigerians in Escarvos, held against my will in the jungles of New Guinea, and the list goes on. Thanks for the note. I retired in April and like you open cans for Labs and cats. Also I am the proxy "head of the household" but we all know the real truth.
A little sidebar to this thread which might encourage those who work for less than appreciative clients: When I made my last flight on the 28th I landed back at the hangar to be greeted with an airline type Fire Hose salute, as the hangar doors opened the flags of the RAF and Union Jack unfurled and they played the UK National Anthem with most of the work crews including retired past employees. Lunch had a British theme, Bangers, Beef, Sausage rolls ect. and this was all put together by a US client here in the US. The company (Client) web page also had a splash.
So the road to retirement (read career) may not always be smooth and easy but the good clients/companies are out there as demonstrated by my last 15 years with this one. It was both an honor and a pleasure working for them. (Bristow at one time had this contract too)
For those that get to realise their potential in aviation that might have otherwise not had the means, what a great opportunity. Whether it’s thinly veiled with the company vying for government contracts, I’m sure that’s not at the forefront of the mind of the student pilot getting an entire career for free.
As with any part of the industry, there’s going to be the ups and downs. The most recent down was pretty damning in the industry, so much so that a lot of those made redundant didn’t return and seemed to find greener pastures. I personally wouldn’t go back after how I, and a lot of colleagues were treated, I wouldn’t put myself through that stress again.
The cadet pilots may have similar experiences at some point in their career, arguably inevitable with the cyclical nature of O&G, as long as their eyes are open and understand that there’s a bit of musical chairs in the North Sea. I’m sure the old salt sat in the other seat will let them know well enough, as they did me years ago.
As with any part of the industry, there’s going to be the ups and downs. The most recent down was pretty damning in the industry, so much so that a lot of those made redundant didn’t return and seemed to find greener pastures. I personally wouldn’t go back after how I, and a lot of colleagues were treated, I wouldn’t put myself through that stress again.
The cadet pilots may have similar experiences at some point in their career, arguably inevitable with the cyclical nature of O&G, as long as their eyes are open and understand that there’s a bit of musical chairs in the North Sea. I’m sure the old salt sat in the other seat will let them know well enough, as they did me years ago.
XA290 wrote
Spot on. I was also an ex HP student 41 years ago now. I also saw the same things as you did in Aberdeen, the NSPA was forming during my first year in Aberdeen. Disillusioned as some may have been in the early 80s, they all freely shared their experience and taught me so much, for which I will always be grateful. That was the thing about Bristow, I never stopped learning. I also found time spent in the hangars watching some difficult jobs being done gave me an appreciation of the skills possessed by Engineering. Many ex colleagues are not around anymore but I do occasionally dig out the old logbook and remember who taught me what!
The bond (4 years in my day) was a very small price to pay for a skill set which has provided me with a 40+ year career so far. If I was a young person wanting to get into aviation, I would jump at this HP61 opportunity.
I speak as someone who took full advantage of being an HP student ........ ahem....... 31 years ago.
The bond (4 years in my day) was a very small price to pay for a skill set which has provided me with a 40+ year career so far. If I was a young person wanting to get into aviation, I would jump at this HP61 opportunity.
II, we might have crossed paths at the Ivy House when you were starting out....perhaps shared a pint as we listened to the only record in the basement Bar.....by ABBA.
I spent my time off from Iran doing my UK ATPL and lodged at Mrs. B's Establishment when in the UK.
I spent my time off from Iran doing my UK ATPL and lodged at Mrs. B's Establishment when in the UK.
