gullibell
 

Gullibell, why would you think that AFAP would not represent the pilots at Bristow?
They would be all members of AFAP I would just about bet on.
Interesting times it seems for the boys in the west.

Banger

I don't doubt that the AFAP would represent the best interests of it's members. What I said (opinion only) is that this would probably not extend to supporting industrial action. I don't know of any instance where the AFAP has supported an industrial action in the intervening years since the pilot's strike of the 80's. There might be cases, I just don't know of any. I watch with interest to see what happens with the Bristow pilot group.

gullibell,

I think you might find that AFAP have had an testosterone injection in the last few years.

I just hope that if the Bristow boys do commence industrial action, that other companies and pilots don't become "scabs".

I think the CHC and Jayrow bretheren should consider long and hard before picking up the slack which may be created by the Bristow action.

Good luck to all involved, watching with great interest.

UNITY
 

Blade Root,

Agree whole heartedly. Even though the respective managements of CHC & Jayrow may see this as an opportunity to make some extra cash we should not oblige. As long as we can do this legally.
If the pilots at Bristow succeed in their endeavours it will benefit us all, particularly with other EBA negotiations in play.

GG

CHC cannot find enough personnel to properly man its present contracts
let alone `scab` on Bristow . Jayrow is also at full stretch .Imported strikebreakers from the Bristows overseas bases could be a danger-cf the Ansett strike in 1989.

newbie question
 

Hi guys n gals, quick question from a newbie watching the developments in the industry with keen interest:

Would the established players look at a CPL(H)/(A) with less than 500 hours, lots of those hours driving planks, plus MECIR(A)/NVFR(A)? Obviously for an entry level position :}

Just trying to suss out whether the situation may develop to a point this year where there may be an alternative to doing a few hundred hours of joy flights?!

Thanks for your guidance!:D

At the risk of alienating the lower more general sections of our industry, then so be it.

The bottom line is that the main players that drive the Industry [Jayrow, CHC and BH] are disjointed, Wow is that a Revelation!

You can piss in each others pockets over a few dollars here and there and generally reduce the overall increase to a pissant value.

Or you can get that useless AFAP [remember the same crowd that screwed QANTAS/ TAA and Ansett back in the 80’s, until they saw the light and screwed the AFAP] and push them into the real world, or get rid of them.

I can’t see any difference between driving a 92 out of Darwin, a 332 out of Broome or a 76 out of Tooradin than pushing a 747 to Singapore with all the worldly assistance and ATC guidance expected and given, particularly with triple Flight Directors and above the crappy weather that we sit in all day long.

And you know what?, the Oil Companies make more profit than does QANTAS and Virgin added together. Together with a barrel or Oil at near US$90 / barrel guess what?

We are being screwed. But not by our Management, but by the Oil Companies.

Why don’t you guys get together [want each others phone numbers? Give me a PM], and make some real difference.

Don’t expect your Management to buckle under the pressure of the EBA’s or other arrangements, as they have contracted at a rate they thought was OK at contract time, they have only a few $$ here or there to line their and your pockets with.

Get together and aim your focus where the money is, the Multi National Oil Company’s.

Let me do a quick calculation for you:

Between the big three, there are about 200 guys earning about A$130K each, now double that salary to equal that of a wide body pilot, you have an increase of around $26 million.

Think that will kill the Oil Companies?....hell no, a fully laden Ore Carrier is worth around $5M, [and they move over 40 / day] a LNG carrier around $18M [and they move three/day] or Oil Carriers at $11M, [and they move 12+/day], plus Gas, Salt and Condensate, so get real guys and get organised.

The only guys that can lead the rest are the top end folk., and if you aren’t aiming at the same as a 747 guy for doing the same task with less sophistication, then your all deserve each other.

Get Organised, Get rid of the AFAP [or control them], Aim at the Oil Companies, and your financial security will follow.

Continue to be divided, and I will repeat this message in 2010, just like many have said before.

Now what is your excuse?

I don't quite get the connexion between driving a 400 tonne Boeing worth $100,000,000 with 400 passengers onboard, and driving a 5 tonne helicopter worth $5,000,000 with 10 passengers onboard, and expecting the same salary in both cases for doing so.

I reckon $130,000 is quite a good salary for case 2 above, particularly considering in most instances you're at work for less than 6 months of the year. But if they want to try squeeze some more via the oil producers then go for it. The oil companies are certainly cashed up e.g. the Saudi's are probably producing close to 10 million bbl/day at less than $2/bbl average, add the current price/bbl into the equation and that's a lot of money.

I reckon it's a shame that our ore gets dug out of the ground and sent overseas at a $1/tonne (or whatever it is), and coming back here as steel at $1,000/tonne (or whatever it is). And our liquified gas goes overseas at a fraction of a cent/litre (or whatever it is), and I've got to pay $30 to fill up my BBQ gas bottle. I don't know what the ore train drivers or the haul truck drivers or anyone else that's critical to these operations gets paid, or whether they feel they're not getting their fair share of the huge profits being made by the mining industry at the moment.

One thing is for sure, the oil companies and operators will have a plan B that will very quickly overcome any problem brought about by aircraft remaining on the ground due to industrial action. Remember the pilot's strike of the 80's, they all got screwed. Remember the Cathay Pacific pilots, they all got screwed. And the oil companies have much deeper pockets than any airline.

There's a well known saying that's apt, fail to learn from history and you're bound to repeat it. Let's hope cool heads prevail and the guys can secure an outcome that is to their favor. Much better that than risk winding up not having an income.

Oil Companies Organised?
 

gullibell,

Mate I think you're giving the oil companies a little too much credit. From my experience the only thing that drives them when it comes to aviation is how much will it cost. If it costs more to have a back up plan then don't worry about it. Their back up plan for all logistic matters is to spend a whole lot more down the track when eventual problems arise. Plus I'm sure Bristow will be trying to ensure they know nothing about possible trouble in the ranks of the pilots. Don't want the client to think there's a problem.

The oil companies will have a very good idea that trouble is brewing. Their aviation advisors watch this forum so whatever is said here they will be taking notes. Their poker faces will be saying problem bilong contractor, but behind the scenes a plan B will have been formulated. I have no idea whether Bristow will have briefed them on the situation, it would be in their interest too.

The oil companies might only be interested in the bottom line when it comes to contracted aviation, but they are savvy enough to realize that helicopters not flying costs them a hell of a lot more than helicopters flying. When reacting to an industrial situation, their response will be to pump the aviation budget down the sludge pipe and throw the resources of their very deep pockets at plan B.

None of this extra money will end up in the pockets of those who decide to tools down. I hope they get their 747 pilot salary or whatever it is they seek, but I suspect they won't be getting a dime more than they get now if they do decide to take action. But someone else will, because collective solidarity amongst pilots has always been weak and the offer of strike breaking money will see enough crossing the line to keep the helicopters flying.

It will be very interesting to see how things pan out.

What pilots?
Who,s machines?
Don't look that easy to have a plan B.

And back to the top to see if there are any developments

Great news from the West.
 

Just in from the West. The Bristow boys have got the 30% pay increase they were after.
Well done guys. Just hope all other operators take notice.
Hats off to the Bristow Pilot Committee.
Oil is at $104US a barrell.

Banger.................

News from the west
 

Guys,

A lot has been written recently about BHA's pilots and their push to increase salaries and improve their conditions significantly - a lot of it (as usual) has been rubbish and / or pure conjecture.

The Pilot Committee, and more importantly the Pilot Body, from the start had a very strong case to push and a realistic agenda was set. The arguments for were compelling and undeniable. Most importantly, the pilots DID (and continue to) stick together. The pilots that make up the present BHA contingent are a completely different lot than the one's that voted on the 2004 EBA.

It does indeed appear that a deal has at last been brokered. Despite the case put forward, it did take a lot of work from a number of individuals, particularly our PC Chairman. His work on this cannot be underestimated and in a very significant way, may have improved the lot for a number of helicopter pilots in the immediate future, not just at Bristows. If you fly off-shore in Oz, you want to find out who this guy is and shake his hand.

The 30% has largely been achieved (effective from Sep 08) and a number of other intiatives have also been made including an increase to the middle bracket of DTAs for all CAPTs and SFOs. This is a major achievement. Under the proposed arrangements, a year 8 CAPT will be on approx $155,000 when all DTAs are grossed up. Whilst it's not the same as a Qantas 747 CAPT, anyone who thinks they're even remotely similar clearly needs their head checked.

Perhaps far more importantly, it sets an agenda for future EBAs. The future potentially looks v good for helo drivers, particularly in the off-shore sector. However, the lessons to come out of BHAs 2008 EBA negotiations should be heeded by all. The money is there, the demand is there but the supply is not. Provided a strong case is put forward and the guys support their respective committees and stick together, a good result can be obtained.

All that is required now is for the BHA EBA draft to be finalised, disseminated and then voted on. With the PC's endorsement, it would appear the deal is all but sewn up.

Well done to all involved.

P68:O

Well done indeed.

P1

Great news!
Take note pilots what can happen if you grow a backbone and stick together. This is a start and can benefit the whole industry.
Over to you CHC!

When are CHC due to close on their EBA anyone?

IVAN
 

Ivan, I hope you don't work for them. It's already signed off. Done deal.


Banger

EBA outcomes
 

Well done!:D

What was the outcome for domicile?

Domicile is still the same.

Well the Perth house prices should suck up most of that pay rise then...

I hope someone has dished up a big slice of humble pie to gullibell. The oil companies don't have a plan B as there are only two operators working, both need crews. The oil companies have tried using ships to transport oilies to rigs before but they hate it. I have been in this situation before, the extra cost to the oil companies is a fraction of a %. There budget for flying there execs around the world first class would equal the cost of offshore heli ops.

Well done Bristows, a pat on the back from me. !!

Banger
 

Not even close

Aren't the domicile requirements already different for engineers? That was the info presented at the Bristow 'around Australia tour' last year. The 'off the record' opinion of one of the Bristow staff was that domicile for pilots would have to change in order to address the recruiting problems.

What's the situation at Bristows for engineers? Are they having problems with a shortage of engineers like everyone else? I noticed Helitech had some of there Heli in there hanger. Are they now doing there heavy maintenance? Would someone be able to provide a contact name and number regarding the possibility of employment in Oz.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Humble pie?? Out of the question! If you read my previous posts again I've always been 100% behind the pilot body in their desire for a better outcome. They didn't get what some suggest they should, i.e. B747 Captain salary, but they did get a more realistic outcome. Doesn't mean the oil companies didn't have a plan B, it didn't need to go that far because an agreement was reached. So well done to the pilot reps who brokered the deal.

Can anyone divulge what is the proposed new rate for twin IFR Captain year 1??

Wait For The Vote
 

GulliBell,

I'm sure it won't become public knowledge until the pilot body vote it in.(that's if they even vote 'yes'!)

Does anyone know how the vote went or if the results are in?

The result is in, the offer has been accepted.

P1:ok:

All eyes will now turn to CHC. I believe they are yet to vote on a proposed agreement.

Any truth to the rumour that Bristows will tour pilots from the East coast to the West in their new EBA? Heard something about it late last year (2007) but haven't heard anything since.

No, unless you are a PIC or Training Captain.

http://www.flightglobal.com/jobs/job...tm#viewcontact

Looks like more blow-ins for Bristow. How happy will the incumbents be to see more slots on the new machinery going to contractors? Not very if the current info on levels of satisfaction amoungst the Training Department is to be believed.

movin' up.....

Mmmmmmm .....

Interesting ..... but are you sure this is for Bristow ... I was told Bristow was not going to operate the 139 ... and don't have any .....

CHC however do ...... ?????? and trying to find pilots already rated on them might prove problematic........

:E

1. Perth based.

2. 139's from next year.

3. A "Fixed Term Contracter" has already been sent on the 139 Training Captains Course.

4. "Fixed term contracts" is a term Bristow have been using lately.

5. Under the 'view contact details' is Helen Zahra, who organised the Bristow Recruiting Roadshow recently.

Other than these factors, no I'm not sure.............:ok:

Mmmmmmm .....

Curiouser and curiouser ?????

I suppose they are now taking the 4 machines they were not going to take ?

:ooh:

Thanks for the info ....

News just in from the NW Shelf!!
 

All,

Word is out that HA has just won the Pluto contract with Woodside. V interesting times ahead on the NW Shelf indeed.

The ramifications of this news has already had an impact on business at a more established NW Shelf operator with a complete reversal of their problematic 'Domicile Policy'.

IOT attract the required numbers of suitable aircrew, HA will obviously have to provide competitive / attractive conditions for prospective candidates. As part of such a package, 2 on / off touring from any capital city in Australia will almost certainly be required.

As such, BHA has responded (with effect from 1 June 08) and agreed to allow all Capts and selected SFOs and FOs to tour from locations other than Perth at company cost. What's more, if you satisy certain criteria (I believe 250 hrs ME command, IR and a few other bits and pieces) then you may not have to re-locate to Perth at own cost to join.

This will have MAJOR ramifications throughout the off-shore and military sectors of the helo industry, possibly into the EMS side of things too. This was without a doubt the final hurdle that was required IOT attract people to the current off-shore market leaders in Australia.

Apart from preventing a flurry of activity towards HA from BHA (despite the attractive rumoured conditions being proposed), Jayrow and arguably the Army / Navy will be uncompetitive. The chaps at Jayrow must be licking their lips right now with EBA talks stalling. The final piece of the BHA puzzle has been fixed and one would imagine secure their current pilot recruitment / retention issues as they continue to expand.

Market forces in play guys - it's a good time to be a helicopter pilot indeed...

P68:O

Doesn't apply to FO's or SFO's without 250hrs multi engine time. They are still required to live in Perth, so I don't think its quite the final Hurdle yet. Not quite up their with CHC who allow all their pilots to travel from interstate.

CHC have the Darwin allowance, how much will BHA pay as a Perth allowance to those of us that continue to "show our commitment" by living on the West coast?:ok:

I heard a rumor, that Bristow are bringing in people from Bristow Academy in Florida on a two year visa to be FO's. Is there any truth to the rumor???