From left, Training and Heliport Operations Manager Asha Lemet-Bahadoor; Captain Jason Penco, Manager, Global Safety Projects; and Kelly Johnson enjoy the festivities.
2 Bristow World 2008 / Issue IIBristow World 2010 / Issue 32
Bristow’s International Business Unit has opened a regional office in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Neil Marshall leads the office, which will target
business in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Papua New
Guinea and the Philippines.
One of the fastest-growing regions for energy demand, Southeast
Asia depends on oil and gas as its primary energy resource. Local
representation will help the company take advantage of the opportunities
expected in the region, says Marshall.
“Bristow had a long and successful history of operating in many
Southeast Asia countries until the early 1980s, when countries in the
region began to introduce the requirement that only nationalized helicopter
operators could provide
services,” says Marshall.
“Today there’s a relaxation
of some of those
requirements, and once
again we can capitalize on
the region’s burgeoning
offshore exploration and
development programs.”
One of two new EC225 helicopters has arrived in Norway and begun crew
changes for Statoil in Stavanger. The new aircraft replace two Super Pumas
and are equipped to make the challenging flight from Hammerfest in the
arctic conditions of the Barents Sea. From left: Engineer Bjorn Bratveit,
SAR Captain Steinar Haugen and SAR Chief Pilot Paal Overland.
Ready to fly
Southeast Asia office opened
Academy Safety Stand Down
Neil Marshall leads business development efforts from the company’s new Southeast Asia office.
Q1 2010 Q1 2009
REVENUE $292.2 million $290.5 million
OPERATING INCOME $39.7 million $44.8 million
NET INCOME $20.8 million $23.7 million
PER DILUTED INCOME $.057 $.066
Q1 revenue tops $292 million
AUSTRALIA
Apache Energy Ltd. has awarded a three-year, $46 million (US) contract
with options for extension to support drilling and production operations,
mostly in Western Australia. Bristow will initially provide five helicopters of
various types, including BK-117, S-76 and AS332 models.
BRAZIL
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. has awarded a six-month contract to Bristow
affiliate Lider Aviação for an additional Bell 412SP based in Macae.
Shell has contracted for a six-month term a new S-76C++ to be based in
Rio de Janeiro, joining an existing fleet of one S-76C+ and one S-76C++.
NIGERIA
Addax Petroleum Development (Nigeria) Ltd. has extended by three years
with a one-year option its contract for helicopter support from bases in
Calabar and Port Harcourt. Two Bell 412EP aircraft will replace two current
Bell 412SP aircraft.
NORWAY
ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS exercised its option to extend the current
contract for three S-92s for the maximum three-year period, with a new
expiration date of Aug. 31, 2014.
UNITED KINGDOM
ConocoPhillips has awarded a contract valued at $95 million for the first four
years for two Norwich-based S-76C++ and one Humberside-based S-76C++
for service in the Southern North Sea. The contract begins November 1.
CONTRACTS
Bristow Academy took advantage of “no fly” restrictions placed on Space
Coast Regional Airport by the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on May
14 and held a Safety Stand Down. The day included Broken Wing Award
presentations (see page 3), an all-hands “FOD (Foreign Object Damage)
Plod” and safety training.
3Bristow World 2008 / Issue II3
Two training flights gone awry both ended in flawless engine-off landings,
earning Bristow Academy Broken Wing Awards for flight instructors Marc
Gow and Ruben Schaber.
Gow and his student pilot had their aircraft turned downwind at 600
feet, followed by severe vibration and a sharp drop in rotor RPM. Gow
quickly took control from the student and tried to regain RPM in a powered
descent in an effort to get back to base.
When the engine didn’t respond, Gow transmitted a Mayday call
and flew an autorotative descent to the ground, where he carried out a
successful engine-off landing from approximately 350 feet. The aircraft
sustained no damage, and there were no injuries. A broken fuel line was
determined to be the cause.
SIGNS OF TROUBLE
Schaber had jumped at the chance to instruct in a newly acquired
Robinson R44, and on a training flight noticed the engine temperature
at the top of the normal range. With the student heading back to base,
Schaber saw the oil pressure drop and told the student to turn toward the
practice area and land.
At 500 feet, a loud bang put Schaber immediately at the controls,
turning toward the wind and a clear landing area. He maintained about 60
knots in autorotation and executed a textbook landing on a grass field. A
broken connecting rod was found to be the cause of the engine failure.
“Both Marc and Ruben showed professionalism and exemplary skill
in averting an accident,” said Bristow Academy General Manager Nick
Mayhew. “They are well deserving of this award.”
Flight instructors earn Broken Wing Awards
Flight instructors Ruben Schaber (top) and Marc Gow earned Bristow Academy Broken Wing Awards for demonstrating exceptional professionalism in emergency situations.
Customers
and special
guests received
appreciation awards
from CEO Bill
Chiles, and more
than 30 employees
were honored for
extended service
to the company.
Employees receiving
special recognition
included:
• Khalid Barrow – Outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty
• Capt. James M. Wilhite – Longest-serving leader of Bristow Caribbean
• Angus Dookie – Recognition for years of dedicated service
• Navi Ramlal – Outstanding safety consciousness
• Capt. Nicholas Nothnagel – Recognition as a Trinidad and Tobago
aviation pioneer
Ramesh Lutchmedial, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority
of Trinidad and Tobago, congratulated Bristow for its safety record and
contributions to the development of the country’s offshore oil and gas industry.
Bristow celebrates 50 years in Trinidad and TobagoStory continued from page 1
1960 2010 (ESTIMATES)
AIRCRAFT Westland Whirlwind WS 55/1 Bell 412 (8)NO. OF FLIGHTS 418 6,000NO. OF PASSENGERS 1,254 90,000NO. OF FLIGHT HOURS 215 10,000
From left, Richard Burman, Senior Vice President, Operations, congratulates Navi Ramlal for his contribution to safety. Ramlal is a Licensed Aircraft Engineer.
Human Resources Administrator Sally Lemet recognizes the contributions of 30-year employee Martin Duck.
4 Bristow World 2008 / Issue IIBristow World 2010 / Issue 34
By Jonathan Binnie
Welcome to a new Bristow World feature, in which we highlight Bristow
employees around the world talking about their lives and special interests
away from work.
Our first subject is Jonathan Binnie. As a Bristow pilot, Binnie has a work
schedule that gives him time to volunteer for a charity that means a lot to
him and the communities where it operates.
To be considered for a future profile or make a nomination, contact your
local editorial team member or email Stacie Fairchild (stacie.fairchild@
bristowgroup.com).
My Bristow job: S-92 pilot at Scatsta, flying for the IAC (Integrated
Aviation Consortium)
My other life: “I volunteer for a charity called Mission Aviation Fellowship
(www.maf.org), a global organization with more than 130 aircraft dedicated
to bringing physical and spiritual aid to people in need.”
The details: “I work for the U.K. section of Mission Aviation Fellowship
(www.maf-uk.org). They are responsible for operations throughout Africa,
Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and several other countries.
“I offer MAF U.K. two-week blocks of my time off anytime they want it.
They send me to their programs around the world, where I shoot and edit
video for the MAF website or for their network of volunteers in the U.K.
I don’t charge for my time – all I ask is that they get me and my video
equipment to wherever it is that they need me.
“Last year I filmed in Madagascar, Kenya and Bangladesh, and I have just
returned from a visit to Angola, which was absolutely superb. I plan to pay
for my own trip to go back next year to shoot more video of the inspirational
people working there in the local communities.
“On this trip we filmed a Canadian eye surgeon, working for free in the local
communities. Without MAF, people like this doctor could not get to those
areas of need. We also visited live minefields to see the work of the HALO
Trust, the mine-clearing organization that’s working in central Angola, one
of the most intensely land-mined areas in the world.”
Why I do it: “Working with MAF is a truly inspirational experience. It’s
moving and humbling. It puts one’s life in the West in perspective.”
In Bangladesh, Jonathan found children who were more than willing photo subjects.
When he’s not flying for Bristow, Jonathan shoots and edits video for the Mission Aviation Fellowship. This mission is in Madagascar.
In central Angola, Jonathan worked with the HALO Trust in their efforts to remove mines for safe detonation. The red sticks delineate the minefield. “I had my own minder to make sure I did not step backwards into the minefield while filming,” Jonathan reports.
Sound AdviceSome of Bristow’s most experienced pilots and leaders at Bristow Academy offer words of wisdom.
“The difference between a good pilot and a very good pilot is aircraft
knowledge and handling accuracy. After each flight, do a quick
analysis of how it could have been done better; use visualization when
necessary. Maintain a good sense of humor. You’ll need it!”
Bob Turner, Chief Pilot, Redcliffe (Australia)
“In addition to studying your technical subjects, remember to practice
your social skills. Social strategies and techniques can be learned and will
take you a long way toward a successful career. And my advice for older
captains, ‘Always be nice to your co-pilot; he might be your next boss.’”
Arne Martin Gilberg, Chief Pilot, Bergen (Norway)
“Always be ready to accept and admit that you might have made an error
(we are not machines!). Please try to learn from mistakes and avoid
repeating them.”
Adrian Rose, Chief Pilot, Den Helder (Netherlands)
“Remember that the aviation industry is small, and the helicopter
industry even smaller. How you conduct yourself now will be reflective of
your success in the future.”
Samantha Willenbacher, Director, Bristow Academy
“Be proactive and keep trying to learn more all the time. This will make
your job even more interesting and safer at the same time.”
Viktor Wallin, First Officer, Libya
“Wake up each morning looking forward to going to work. Be willing to
take on jobs the other pilots may not care to. Respect those you fly with
(first, because you should; second, because one day they may be your
boss). Always remember the view from your office is a whole lot better
than the view most people have from theirs.”
Chuck Melton, Captain, Galliano (Louisiana)
“The day you stop learning is the day you give it away. Having held an
aviation license for nearly 50 years and with 38 years’ continuous
employment within Bristow in some interesting locations around the
globe, I am still learning.”
Captain Glenn Williams, Karratha (Australia)
“For me, success is defined by how well you do your job. If you know
your job well, then you can do your job well. Learn all the aspects of your
job and aspire daily to do it well. Do not accept mediocrity.”
Franklyn S. Arjoon, Line Training Captain,
International Business Unit (Trinidad)
“A good pilot is always learning. Know the flight manual and operations
manual inside and out. And listen to the advice of seasoned pilots in
this business.”
Captain Marvin Robbins, Galliano (Louisiana)
“Always know as much as possible about the equipment that you are
flying, including its limitations.”
Kent DeKerlegand, Director of Training, U.S. Gulf of Mexico
“Go the extra mile, whether it’s taking on extra tasks like Flight Safety or
thinking up ways to get the job done safely.”
Tim Wood, Line Training Captain, Perth (Australia)
“Stay focused on your career goals, remain open to opportunities
(prepare to travel), keep your ego in check and never quit learning
(there’s always a helicopter waiting to humble you).
Alan Dillon, Operations Manager, Bristow Academy
What is your advice for a young Bristow pilot looking for a successful aviation career?
5
6 Bristow World 2008 / Issue IIBristow World 2010 / Issue 36
Eurocopter and Bristow: A partnership of ‘firsts’
With a history of innovation and a rich culture drawn from Europe’s leading
aerospace companies, it’s easy to see why more than 100 aircraft made by
Eurocopter are currently part of the Bristow fleet.
A subsidiary of European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. (EADS)
– the maker of Airbus jetliners – Eurocopter stands out as a leader in
helicopter “firsts,” including:
• First production turboshaft-powered helicopter (1955)
• Introduced the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor (1968)
• First helicopter certified for full flight in icing conditions (1984)
• Maiden flight of a helicopter with a full fly-by-wire control system (2003)
• First landing of a helicopter on Mt. Everest summit (2005)
CUSTOMER INPUT VALUED
As the world’s leading helicopter exporter, Eurocopter knows that
maintaining a technological edge and responding to changing market
needs are the only ways to stay on top. That’s where Bristow comes in.
“Eurocopter has a lot to learn from Bristow and its operations,” says
Christian Gras, executive vice president, Customers. “The constant
improvement of our products is possible only because we learn from major
operators like Bristow.”
A prime example is the new EC175, the first five of which will be
delivered to Bristow in 2012. “From the onset, we consulted with operators
and oil companies about the initial design of the helicopter as well as
engineering and maintenance aspects,” Gras says.
Eurocopter’s global network of subsidiaries, along with call centers and
logistics facilities in Hong Kong, Paris and Dallas, helps the company stay
close to its customers.
COOL STUFF
As Bristow takes delivery of more EC225s in 2010 and 2011, flight crews
can expect to see enhancements to the autopilot system and equipment
integration to improve safety. Passengers in new EC225s and EC175s will
bask in yet another Eurocopter feature – state-of-the-art air conditioning.
Other areas of innovation include noise reduction – both inside the
cabin and out. Eurocopter has an acoustic simulator that can recreate
noise levels in 3-D. Resulting modifications to components such as interior
panels and windows have enabled cabin noise to effectively be cut in half.
Outside, a new “double sweep” blade design has achieved significant
noise reductions during testing and may soon find its way into service on
both military and civilian helicopters.
“Constant attention to innovation and technological enhancements
and continuous improvements to existing models means that Eurocopter
products are sound and safe,” Gras says. “We also believe this enables our
aircraft to hold a higher value over time compared with other helicopters.”
Based: Marignane, France
2009 pretax earnings: 263 million euros ($360 million)
Founded: 1992 (Aerospatiale and Daimler-Benz merger); heritage
companies traceable to 1905
Parent company: European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. (EADS)
Website: www.eurocopter.com
EUROCOPTER AT A GLANCE
Bristow is the launch customer for the new Eurocopter EC175, with the first delivery set for 2012.
Eurocopter depends on innovation to maintain its position as the world’s leading helicopter exporter.
Bristow has been an early adopter of Eurocopter technology.
Eurocopter delivered 34 helicopters to the oil and gas industry in 2009 for a market-leading 35% share.
7Bristow World 2008 / Issue II7
Bristow Academy Director of Maintenance Todd Smith knows that human
beings are often the weak link in the maintenance and operation of
complicated equipment. At the Academy, that understanding has led to
semiannual courses to help employees understand and overcome the
human factors that lead to the majority of accidents.
“Statistics suggest that up to 90% of aviation accidents directly involve
human error,” says Smith. “As a result, human factors training as an
error-prevention strategy is mandated by the ICAO, EASA (JAA), Transport
Canada and other agencies.” It is not currently mandated by the FAA.
In June, 12 technicians from Academy facilities in Titusville, Fla.; New
Iberia, La.; and Concord, Calif., completed two daylong sessions geared to
helping them eliminate the conditions that can contribute to accidents or
incidents. (See “Dirty Dozen” sidebar.)
A daylong advanced session for Academy supervisory personnel
emphasized communication, teambuilding and conflict resolution. “The
objective is to help supervisors identify the effects that human factors have
on the dynamics of the organization,” explains Smith. “The course helps
them realize that despite their different areas of responsibility, they often
face the same challenges.”
Both classes produce a lot of positive feedback, he adds. “After a
session a few years ago, someone from procurement apologized for
routinely approaching the technicians on the hangar floor without first
considering what they may be involved in. That’s the moment that I knew
we were doing the right thing.”
Academy maintenance course focuses on human factors
Bar codes to improve parts management, aircraft availability
Human factors training in aviation typically focuses on eliminating the
following “dirty dozen” conditions:
1. Lack of communication
2. Complacency
3. Lack of knowledge
4. Distraction
5. Lack of teamwork
6. Fatigue
7. Lack of resources
8. Pressure
9. Lack of assertiveness
10. Stress
11. Lack of awareness
12. Unwritten “norms”
AVOIDING THE ‘DIRTY DOZEN’
Instructor Richard Komarniski from Grey Owl Aviation Consultants led the class that also included students from DynCorp Intl., Siemens Global and U.S. Helicopters.
A new initiative to use bar coding technology to improve the accuracy
and timeliness of parts-related supply chain data will help lead to faster
turnaround times on aircraft maintenance.
Currently, Bristow has an inventory of more than 252,000 aircraft parts.
Bar code technology will cut down on the manual data entry required to
track and manage that inventory. Further advantages include:
• Enhanced control and issuance of parts
• Parts planning improvements
• Potential for cost savings
Phase 1 of the global project includes building the technology
infrastructure, followed by developing the software needed for bar code
scanners to communicate with the company’s IFS Enterprise Resource
Planning platform, says Candace Gaspard, Director, Global IT Application
Development. “Phase 1 will be implemented first at two Louisiana locations,
the ARA hub site in New Iberia and the base in Galliano,” she adds.
Completion of Phase 1 is scheduled for mid-October. Subsequent
phases will expand bar coding to more supply chain transactions and to
bases outside the United States. The timetable for these other phases and
complete implementation has yet to be determined.
REMINDER! U.S. BENEFITS ENROLLMENT PERIOD: OCTOBER 1-30
Pilots Howie Croft (shown) and Bernie McBain gave auction winners a scenic 30-minute flight over the Ningaloo Reef and Northwest Cape area of Western Australia.
Pilot Sjaan Schoepf acts as tour guide as Fairbanks residents explore a Bell 206 L-4 as part of a fundraising event for a local child development center.
Left, Australia Business Unit Director Allan Blake and Wayne Skeen, Bristow engineer and representative for the Australia Engineering and Ramp staff, celebrate the signing of the Engineers and Ramp Staff Engineering Enterprise Agreement (EEA) for 2010. Negotiations started in September 2009, resulting in a 76-page document of terms and conditions which engineers and ramp staff voted to adopt. The EEA is valid until March 31, 2012. Ninety employees are covered by the agreement.
AUSTRALIA AGREEMENT SIGNED
Captain Matt Golding was recognized by Parabe Field Supervisor Godwin T. Eyione. Golding is based in Escravos.
From left, Jonathan Stripling, Director Global Standards, Quality & Safety & Recurrent Training, presents check to Sarah McRae.
