i must say that i'm amazed that some of you high timers are only just finding out that all is not right in pilot recruitment in australia, probably happens elsewhere too.
most private helicopter rescue orgaisations are a closed shop.to get a position with most professional rescue companies an ad would read,3000 pic min.1500 turbine 500 me,
cir and at least 5 renewals. reasonable enough. one job went to a buddy who was over 50, hadn't flown for quite a few years, no multi engine or much of anything else.why is it so.another advertised job that required type and night, rappel and winch went to a family friend with none of the advertised qualifications,he took the job they spent the money on him and he buggered off.no interviews were held.it's not going to stop so don't get too paranoid just send bottles of red (good ones)to the chief pilots.i hope life gets better for you.




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your too high,your too low, your too fast your too slow

Having seen this sort of 'problem' for 30 years, there's nothing new. Back in the 70's, if you were ex light blue you stood little or no chance of getting a North Sea position, but dark blue guaranteed you a job if you wanted.

Living next door to the PAW, and having been there 18 years ago, nothing appears to have changed in their culture for the past 20 years. Great people, complicated management structure.

As an operator, I wouldn't advertise for quids. All my pilots are approached personally, or are recommended, and I've only had a couple of 'bad apples' in the past 5 years, fixed and rotary. Quite frankly, it's my prerogative to employ who I choose, and current legislation makes an open recruiting policy too risky. If that dosn't sit well, blame the legislative process, not the employer.

John it is certainly your perogative as is with CHC management to recruit without advertising...free country. But CHC management did advertise with certain minimum qualifications and yet did not consider suitably qualified people yet considered others less qualified...why?

Eg. A pilot at the Airwing contacts a key acquintance at CHC management Adelaide (who happens to be a key management person) and is asked by that person if he wanted a job at Bendigo because they are having problems getting suitably qualified pilots. Yet they will ignore pilots who have experience in the EMS field in Victoria. Why?

I guess John if you heard a rumour from another pilot you knew who said that a pilot(unknown to you) was bad news would you take the time to interview that person? I think not. That is the point I make that in our small incestuous industry many good pilots are prejudiced against because of egos, jealousy and malicious rumours. Lets face it John both you and CHC management would most probably not touch someone that you heard was possibly trouble whether true or not...its human nature and there's nothing that any one can do about it. does the supposed bad news pilot have a chance to defend such rumours....I think not. At least your not advertising John. Whereas CHC is and that makes them hippocrites because the only reason I can think why they would not interview suitable pilots that have no ill history is that they must of heard something that made them think twice and not followed their level playing field advertisment!

I would like to make the point that my criticism is pointed at CHC management NOT the aircrew at the coal face who I have alot of respect for because they like myself are daily at the sharp end!!

[This message has been edited by NASUS (edited 27 May 2001).]

NASUS,

Best you clarify your description of CHC,the aircrews from CHC are good professional people, and like you, are passionate about their jobs and company. Their pilots and aircrew rescue teams are personally known to me and I don't think its fair to include them in this situation with a general brush. I am sure you are not criticising them, but you should clarify its CHC management you have questions with.


Too Cloudy,
You have been very quiet lately, has the heat been put on you or what?

[This message has been edited by sling load (edited 26 May 2001).]

Sling Load:
It is ludicrous to suggest that I have been quiet recently because the "heat has been put on me". I feel absolutely no heat at all in spite of the personal attacks that have come outside of this forum. I should not have to feel intimidated by anyone from the aviation industry when I have a valid point to put across. I have been absorbing all posts with interest, especially those from NASUS who has so eloquently described the management of CHC. He has valid points to put across and I support his views 100% as I believe you did from your earlier posts. I don't play both sides of the fence. Why did YOU remove your post from the 1st of May? I am certainly not frightened of any backlash.
I said it before and I'll say it again, CHC should not have been allowed to win the contracts in VIC and should not be operating on the scale they are in Victoria.

[This message has been edited by Too Cloudy (edited 27 May 2001).]

Too Cloudy,
Thought that would get you back on, old bean, i don't sit on the fence, i support your facts as i found on that vic gov web page, and from what i heard myself, but what shouldn't happen is a situation where the CHC crews are denigrated in any way for doing their job, and I'm sure you will agree they do very professionally. I know you did not have that intent. As the author of the post I thought you should comment on some of the further posts that has stirred some emotion amongst the helo fraternity. It is a pity that NOT ONE vic pol pilot was even interviewed,When you advertise positions and qualifications, then choose people who do not meet any of them, well, whats the point?

[This message has been edited by sling load (edited 27 May 2001).]