Gulf Helicopters Qatar
 

Hi all!

Does anyone here work for or has worked for Gulf Heli's in Qatar?

I did a search for information but there was nothing recent on here and I would like to compare what I have been sent to what others might have.

I'm in the pre stages of employment and would like some feedback before I commit my self to the Middle East. I am not a new IFR driver, but not experienced in offshore type operations to platforms specifically, but have lots of overwater experience i.e.. SAR, winching vessel transfers etc and hold and FAA ATPL Helicopters. The position being offered is Captain. Also some info on Yemen, Saudi and Libya as they mentioned I may tour too those bases. It seems the initial offer is for touring (6n6) but I would like to try married accompanied at some stage if all seems good.

I found on the here that they bond for 50K and 3 years for a 139 endorsement can anyone verify that? I have 412 but not 139.

Thanks

Cuz

Mmmmm ....

Do a search of this rotor heads forum and you will find a wealth of information about working in the M/E.

You do need to do your 'due diligence' with regard any kind of 'Bond' which is generally regarded with loathing and may well be illegal under the law (not that that makes much difference in some places).

I understand from friends there ... that the job is pretty boring but that depends on what your used too ...

The catch phrase that most seem to echo about working in the Arabian Gulf is that ... "If your there for any reason other than the money ... its the wrong reason!"

Draw your own conclusions.

Good luck :E

Trouble is now days in The ME the money is crap

Mmmm ...

...... Trouble is now days in The ME the money is crap ....

That is soooooooo true .... BUT the statement is still valid .... if its not enough then it is not worth being there is it ??

Have a look in your mailbox

Rumour on the street is that FBH have lost the 139 contract and the Arabs are recruiting direct:rolleyes:

"Rumour on the street is that FBH have lost the 139 contract and the Arabs are recruiting direct"

Yep! Rumour is fact, for the QEAF that is

Gulf Helicopters has generally considered a decent company to work for. They have a few bad places where they deploy crews but overall they usually treated their people decently. I am not sure what is going on at GH at the moment but I have recently received a number of CVs from pilots looking to bail out of there and I am not sure why. Maybe some current GH pilots can fill you in better.

Its a brave man that works directly for the Arabs!

Has anyone been to or lived on the Gulf helicopters housing compound?

"If your there for any reason other than the money ... its the wrong reason!"

I feel that's a little unfair. I enjoyed my time in Dubai, and if I wasn't running this place I'd still be there now. Granted, not all places are the same, but I made a lot of Arab friends down there.

phil

Mmmmm ...

....I feel that's a little unfair....

Phil ... that may well be your opinion ... and I know where you worked and I do agree that it is a very good organisation indeed ... BUT it is also one of the lowest paying places in the Gulf.

Having said that the living terms & conditions can make a difference to the perceived total remuneration package ... and thus my statement still holds true (even if it was only meant to be somewhat 'tongue in cheek').

Cheers :}

Yes I was there for 2 years. It's old and tired and some of the residents didn't help by failing to mix or keep the place and their kids in order.

They were supposed to be moving to a new site in 2008 but that seems to have been shelved. Try 6 n 6 at first and only then would I suggest you go accompanied. It's not much fun for the wives. That said it's close to the shops. :eek:

The pay should improve then. Bit of a gamble though.

Thanks for the info :)

I may consider trying the 6:6 at first. The wife has lived overseas with me before and doesn't expect much for accommodations, just hates being apart that long. We also have a small dog, do you remember if anyone ever had pets there?

Thanks again, nice hearing info from someone that's been there

May I suggest that you read up on the local religious practices?

Yea, I had heard they were not big fans of dogs. Guess I will have to sort something out.

Thanks

Helitime1, may I ask whats your previous experience in terms of flight hours and what GH offered you for money?...I applied last year but I refused the offer (Co-Pilot) bacause the money they offered me were just a joke...(184$ per day onsite, 260 off base)...no paid vacation...139 rating after a year of offbase duties.....:mad:

They pay those rates because they have a queue of people willing to accept those rates.