Brunei/Malaysian Borneo ops?
 

Anyone out there have any info on the operations and job prospects in Brunei/Malaysian Borneo? specifically offshore support.
What's happening? What machines they use? Do they hire foreigners? What's it like living there? etc...
Thanks...:ok:

MHS (Malaysian Helicopter Service) are operating out of Miri, Borneo (just south of the border to Brunei). Doing offshore South China Sea with 2 Super Pumas and occasionally operating an S-61 (this was in 2002). Mostly Malaysian pilots (former "Army/Air Force" pilots). Miri is a nice place and the people are nice. I don't think the salary thou is what we are used to here in Europe, but on the other hand the cost of living is very low. Contact MHS and find out (sorry I don't have the contact information anymore).

The onshore operator is Hornbill Helicopters (or Hornbill Aviation!) with there main base in Kutching, Borneo. Mostly operating with some old Jet and Long Rangers and a Bell 430. I think they now also operates EC 135's.

Good Luck :cool:

Correction,

The onshore operator is Hornbill Skyways (not Hornbill Helicopters). They have had a number of accidents in the last couple of years, mostly I think due to a very old fleet of Jet Rangers (this is only my opinnion).

If you have an engine failure out in the jungle (or rainforest) you are in big trubbles. The trees are very very tall and very dense and the terrain uneven (ridges). It's almost impossible to walk true the jungle and it's so dense that you will almost not see the sun...

I think the trick is to fly along rivers (highways in the jungle) and then somebody might have a chance to find you in case of an emergency landing. Ofcourse, if you can make it without ending up as a crocodile lunch...:E

CHC GO operate 2 aircraft for MHS in Miri and several on mainland Malaysia. In Miri there is an S92 contracted to Shell, probably the best job at CHC GO right now, so tough to get in without 92 time. Also in Miri there is an S76C+ on contract with Murphy Oil, this one is crewed by a ex pat engineers and local pilots while the 92 is all expat for now. Shell Brunei operate 61's around the corner in Anduki, but they are about to switch to 92's. Definately one of the better offshore opportunities out this way and so also difficult to get in without 92/61 time. Depending on the fallout from MHS's recent accidents there may be more opportunities with CHC in the region in the next year or 2. Erikson have a couple of crane's logging in the area but you'll need the obvious requirements to get in there.

Following on from S-61's comments; the only rotary operator in Brunei (apart from the RBAF) is Shell itself. They have an internal aviation department currently operating 3 S-61s, but with 3 S-92 due to arrive next month. There is a mix of Brunei pilots and expats but, having just been through a major recruiting drive earlier in the year, it is unlikely there will be any further expat recruiting for some considerable time. Requirements include a JAR ATPL(H)/IR with several thousand hours ME/MP/Offshore time.

I believe Airfast Indonesa still have a few ex-pat pilots. Mainly on shore work with 212/412. I have heard recently that they have been forced to hire ex-pats again due to a 'brain drain' of thier own local pilots to the ME.

Other than that still some work going for Lama & MD500 drivers. Mainly ad-hoc rig moves and geo work. Short term contracts (6 months). Spread out all over Indo, but also in Kalimantan.

Thanks guys, I guess I need some S-92 time to get a look in, also the JAR ATPL doesn't sound like fun. :ok:

hornylittlepuma,

In Sabah and Sarawak there is only one offshore helicopter operator licenced by the Malaysian National Oil Company (PETRONAS) and that is MHS. Out of their base in Miri, MHS operate 3 X 332L1s, 1 X 332L2, 1 X S76C+ and 1 X S92. They also have an S76C+ working out of their other base in Labuan.

The S92 is initially on wet lease from CHC GO but I understand that the CHC guys soon will be phased out in stages.

I would suggest that you get in touch with MHS to see if there are vacancies. I am aware that there are a few expat pilots working for MHS now.