Get on with it
Guest
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Get on with it
Its about time the senior management at Scotia stopped blaming the outside world for our problems and started looking to themselves for a solution before its too late.The recent press is an indication to all that PENNY PINCHING does not work.More engineers,pilots,airframes and most of all appreciation.WE CAN SEE THE PROBLEMS SO GET ON WITH IT.
Guest
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At risk of getting my head bitten off and being accused of apathy, if 'we' know the answers and are aware of the problems, have 'we' tried telling 'them' what the problems are??
(TH crouches down behind toolbox to avoid the wave of indignation)
TH
(TH crouches down behind toolbox to avoid the wave of indignation)
TH
Guest
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Countdown,
Maybe you should consider representing these interests for your union. Seriously, many people find it difficult to stay focused and motivated unless thay have a contract re-negotiation breathing down their necks.
Your zeal may not be the most socially graceful quality, but it is admirable. Besides, social grace does not a good driving force behind labor movements make.
Maybe you should consider representing these interests for your union. Seriously, many people find it difficult to stay focused and motivated unless thay have a contract re-negotiation breathing down their necks.
Your zeal may not be the most socially graceful quality, but it is admirable. Besides, social grace does not a good driving force behind labor movements make.
Guest
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Maybe this is the report in question.
ABZ P&J. 20 Sept 2000
Scotia responds to oilmen's claims
by Steve Sinclair
Allegations that North Sea helicopters are being hit by a succession of operational faults have been strongly denied by the managing director of Scotia Helicopters.
Scotia has come under close scrutiny following a series of problems on operations for Talisman Energy in the Flotta catchment area.
Talisman employees, mainly working on the Piper, Claymore and Saltire fields, complained to the company's management, saying helicopters were unserviceable and there was a high level of cancellations and delays.
The workers raised a petition to management expressing "grave concerns" on arrangements for crew change helicopters which they said were intolerable and showed lack of concern for their well being.
Talisman's manager for production operations in the Flotta area acknowledged the workers' concerns in a memo to all personnel which said: "I am aware of recent reported poor performance by Scotia, our helicopter services contractor.
"The key issues that have been raised are concerns over the recent number of reported unserviceable helicopters and the high level of cancellations/delays.
"Materials and contracts are in the process of conducting a technical, operational and commercial audit of Scotia's recent performance. I will report back a summary of the findings of this audit.
"If, indeed the concerns raised over the perceived poor performance of Scotia are founded we will be meeting with them to develop a solution."
The memo concludes: "I regard helicopter delays at the end of a two-week offshore trip due to maintenance or availability issues to be unacceptable."
Yesterday the Press and Journal was invited to a meeting with Paul Blakeley, general manager of Talisman Energy in the UK, and Neil Calvert, managing director of Scotia Helicopters.
Mr Blakeley confirmed that Talisman had raised the issue with Scotia and both companies were working together to solve difficulties which had arisen in recent months.
Mr Calvert was adamant that maintenance and servicing of helicopters remained a top priority and would remain so.
He said Scotia no longer had spare operating capacity, as in the past, and this, when coupled with a 26% increase in activity from the oil industry, had resulted in delays with a consequent knock-on effect.
He added that many of Scotia's problems had been exacerbated by very poor summer weather conditions when fog had delayed a large number of flights.
Scotia is now talking positively with Talisman on the possibilities of providing one or possibly two more airframes.
It appears that the sudden oil revival may also have caught out Aberdeen's other main helicopter operator, Bristow.
General manager Willie Toner said Bristow had maintained the highest standards of safety and reliability of service to all its clients during the general downturn in the oil industry in the past 18 months.
He added: "In common with other companies servicing the offshore sector, Bristow's have been operating to meet their core contract requirements without what would in past circumstances have been excessive spare capacity in the North Sea."
He said that, although activity levels have not yet gone up, Bristow was preparing for an increase in future client demand.
"Where possible our plans are being based on firm commitments and we are encouraging our involvement at an early stage in clients' proposals so we can deploy aircraft and resources in the most effective manner."
ABZ P&J. 20 Sept 2000
Scotia responds to oilmen's claims
by Steve Sinclair
Allegations that North Sea helicopters are being hit by a succession of operational faults have been strongly denied by the managing director of Scotia Helicopters.
Scotia has come under close scrutiny following a series of problems on operations for Talisman Energy in the Flotta catchment area.
Talisman employees, mainly working on the Piper, Claymore and Saltire fields, complained to the company's management, saying helicopters were unserviceable and there was a high level of cancellations and delays.
The workers raised a petition to management expressing "grave concerns" on arrangements for crew change helicopters which they said were intolerable and showed lack of concern for their well being.
Talisman's manager for production operations in the Flotta area acknowledged the workers' concerns in a memo to all personnel which said: "I am aware of recent reported poor performance by Scotia, our helicopter services contractor.
"The key issues that have been raised are concerns over the recent number of reported unserviceable helicopters and the high level of cancellations/delays.
"Materials and contracts are in the process of conducting a technical, operational and commercial audit of Scotia's recent performance. I will report back a summary of the findings of this audit.
"If, indeed the concerns raised over the perceived poor performance of Scotia are founded we will be meeting with them to develop a solution."
The memo concludes: "I regard helicopter delays at the end of a two-week offshore trip due to maintenance or availability issues to be unacceptable."
Yesterday the Press and Journal was invited to a meeting with Paul Blakeley, general manager of Talisman Energy in the UK, and Neil Calvert, managing director of Scotia Helicopters.
Mr Blakeley confirmed that Talisman had raised the issue with Scotia and both companies were working together to solve difficulties which had arisen in recent months.
Mr Calvert was adamant that maintenance and servicing of helicopters remained a top priority and would remain so.
He said Scotia no longer had spare operating capacity, as in the past, and this, when coupled with a 26% increase in activity from the oil industry, had resulted in delays with a consequent knock-on effect.
He added that many of Scotia's problems had been exacerbated by very poor summer weather conditions when fog had delayed a large number of flights.
Scotia is now talking positively with Talisman on the possibilities of providing one or possibly two more airframes.
It appears that the sudden oil revival may also have caught out Aberdeen's other main helicopter operator, Bristow.
General manager Willie Toner said Bristow had maintained the highest standards of safety and reliability of service to all its clients during the general downturn in the oil industry in the past 18 months.
He added: "In common with other companies servicing the offshore sector, Bristow's have been operating to meet their core contract requirements without what would in past circumstances have been excessive spare capacity in the North Sea."
He said that, although activity levels have not yet gone up, Bristow was preparing for an increase in future client demand.
"Where possible our plans are being based on firm commitments and we are encouraging our involvement at an early stage in clients' proposals so we can deploy aircraft and resources in the most effective manner."
Guest
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A Chief Pilot of one of the North Sea operators told me that exact same thing several times last year, in no uncertain terms. Unfortunately, this was after me having blown my wad on getting my CPL(H). I now have no wad to blow on getting a CPL(A) - I did the ATPL(A) ground exams during my course, so 'all' I need to do is the flying but that's going to cost another packet.
But, when it comes down to it, the money, hours and appreciation can wait, I want to fly helicopters.
But, when it comes down to it, the money, hours and appreciation can wait, I want to fly helicopters.
Guest
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Countdown,
when you say "actively looking for pilots" what do you mean exactly, last time I heard this discussed I was told they scotia had 70 odd CV's backed up on their desk.
as a qualified CPL(H) some 6 months ago this is obviously of some interest.
can someone tell me the current recruitment situation and outlook?
------------------
El Pirata
when you say "actively looking for pilots" what do you mean exactly, last time I heard this discussed I was told they scotia had 70 odd CV's backed up on their desk.
as a qualified CPL(H) some 6 months ago this is obviously of some interest.
can someone tell me the current recruitment situation and outlook?
------------------
El Pirata
Guest
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Countdown:
I'm reviving these forums because I feel they actually need to be addressed. But,....I don't necessarily agree with the methods being employed.
A little background... I'm a Senior Offshore Captain on 76/61/212... I do know what is what. It seems the constant thread here is that people are concerned with Safety. Safety is a topic people have raged on about for years.
The key to Safety is to be both ecenomical and cognisant of the risk factors at the same time. How do we balance this?
You basically have to ask yourself, what is the ultimate cause and effect of my decision?
Maybe we have to ask ourselves, is it the company, or is it the PIC that perceives that the company expects him/her to make comprimizing decisions?
Food for thought and the way to revive a topic!
Cheers, OffshoreIgor
[This message has been edited by offshoreigor (edited 11 November 2000).]
I'm reviving these forums because I feel they actually need to be addressed. But,....I don't necessarily agree with the methods being employed.
A little background... I'm a Senior Offshore Captain on 76/61/212... I do know what is what. It seems the constant thread here is that people are concerned with Safety. Safety is a topic people have raged on about for years.
The key to Safety is to be both ecenomical and cognisant of the risk factors at the same time. How do we balance this?
You basically have to ask yourself, what is the ultimate cause and effect of my decision?
Maybe we have to ask ourselves, is it the company, or is it the PIC that perceives that the company expects him/her to make comprimizing decisions?
Food for thought and the way to revive a topic!
Cheers, OffshoreIgor
[This message has been edited by offshoreigor (edited 11 November 2000).]
