BristowWorld / Issue 3 / 2009
Transcription
BristowWorld / Issue 3 / 2009
BR ISTOW WO R LD Issue 3 / 2009 Emergency response drill helps build customer trust Scenario: On the morning of July 28, a Bristow helicopter contracted winch survivors and transfer them to nearby hospitals. “Winching is a to BP Trinidad and Tobago departed the Amherstia oil platform with 10 very stressful operation,” Sheppard says, “and BP was impressed with passengers and two Bristow pilots. Moments after takeoff the aircraft our ability to remove critically injured passengers from rescue vessels.” became uncontrollable after a bird strike to the tail rotor section caused The results made the months of preparation worth it, says Penco, who a violent yaw. Attempts by the pilots to control the aircraft proved futile, recently was named Global Safety Assurance manager. “The challenge and the aircraft crashed into the sea. now is that we continue to perform drills of this nature to ensure that Thankfully, the event described above was fictional, but it set the Bristow remains capable of adequately responding to aircraft emergencies.” stage for an emergency response drill carried out by BP Trinidad and Tobago, Bristow and other stakeholders. The drill was a strong test of Bristow’s capabilities to handle a major emergency. BP’s drill observers and evaluators described Bristow’s performance as a world-class response carried out by a world-class team. Lines of communication On the local level, Flight Safety Officer Scott Sheppard coordinated the response from the Bristow base in Piarco with BP and local responders. The Trinidad Emergency Response Team also maintained contact with the Latin America Business Unit crisis center set up in Houston and kept in contact with the Western Hemisphere’s Quality and Safety team, which made provisions for an accident investigation team to assist when necessary. The exercise lasted nearly five hours, involved numerous government agencies and was the largest Bristow had ever conducted in the region Bristow displayed its emergency response and search and rescue capabilities in a joint exercise with BP, highlighted by a flawless winching operation. with BP. “As the emergency involved a helicopter ditching, we had an integral role to play, but there was good support between the companies and that led to a successful operation,” says Bristow's Jason Penco, who, as Caribbean operations manager, was the primary interface for planning between Bristow and BP. Bolden begins NASA assignment Winching a key test On July 17, Charles F. Bolden Jr., a director With an aircraft and people in the water, search and rescue was a top on the Bristow board since fiscal year priority, and the Bristow team didn’t disappoint, demonstrating it could 2007, became administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Contracts The former astronaut and Commanding General of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing is the 12th administrator of NASA and the first Hess and Agip KCO add to workload African American to head the agency on a Work begins in October on a contract with Hess Corporation in Libya. permanent basis. Bolden was chief executive Operating from Es Sider, Bristow will provide services with two AS332L helicopters for up to nine months. officer of JACKandPANTHER LLC, a military and aerospace consulting firm, at the time of his NASA appointment. On July 30, Bolden resigned as a Bristow director as a result of his In Kazakhstan, Agip KCO has extended its contract by a minimum of two appointment. "NASA is getting an outstanding individual," said CEO Bill years for two S-76C++ helicopters and one Mil 8 MTV. The contract is Chiles. "Our congratulations and thanks go to Charlie." served by joint venture affiliate Atyrau-Bristow Airways Services (ABAS). 1 Bristow World 2008 / Issue II BASE PROFILE Den Helder The Netherlands Den Helder Amsterdam Rotterdam Dutch base in vacation hotspot is all business Just 60 miles north of Amsterdam, Den Helder’s climate and pristine Typical afternoons for Den Helder SAR crews involve a training flight. beaches attract vacationers from across Europe. But it’s a different world at the airfield, as Bristow works around the clock providing search and SAR chief pilot. “Engineering did an outstanding job servicing aircraft that rescue (SAR) services and platform transportation. are almost always on call or standby.” With the North Sea as a neighbor, it’s a given that the Bristow team Chief Engineer Gary Davies acknowledges that 15-minute launch at Den Helder face some of world’s toughest operating conditions. But windows make maintenance a challenge. “You must be very flexible, but that hasn’t prevented them from achieving near-perfection in customer with the right planning you can have it buttoned up and ready when a call service for its clients, Royal Dutch Shell and the Netherlands Oil and Gas comes in,” he says. Exploration and Production Association (NOGEPA). “After we met Shell’s KPIs at 99 percent, they’re bringing in a second SNAPSHOT Workdays and maydays aircraft that we will begin operating In addition to crew changes, Bristow shuttles Shell employees to this October,” says Adrian Rose, chief unmanned platforms each morning and brings them back at night. The pilot for oil and gas. “Everyone pulled longest trips last about 2.5 hours and make about 10 stops. “With the new together over the last year to really aircraft, we expect this activity to double,” Rose says. Base manager: Oladapo (Dapo) Oyeleke deliver the best possible service. An SAR crews mostly encounter medical evacuations from platforms, but Number of employees: 65 unexpected challenge is that we are are also ready to go when called by The Netherlands SAR or Coastguard, Number of aircraft: 4: Sikorsky S-61N (2), EC155B1 (2) also reverting from the S-76 series to which accounted for about 40 percent of calls in 2008. “Our longest the EC155B1 at the same time!” mission was six hours for a missing fisherman,” Tye says. “Fortunately, Year established: 1998 The performance gets even most of them are successful.” Total annual flight hours: about 3,000 better for providing SAR services Segments flown (to platforms): 7,000 per year for NOGEPA, a consortium of 11 oil large ships and dense fog, day or night. Extensive in-house training and companies. “Our availability for SAR hard work make the difference. Total SAR calls: about 40 per year in 2008 was 99.84 percent, which is unprecedented,” says Simon Tye, 2 2 World/ Issue 2009 II/ Issue 3 BristowBristow World 2008 Whether it's SAR or Shell, flight crews encounter waves that can hide “Teamwork is a big factor in our success,” Rose says. “We’re selfsufficient and used to doing things on our own.” Stripling takes over key safety, standards role In September, Jonathan Stripling assumed his new duties as director of Global Quality, Safety and Standards. We visited with the 38-yearold Brit about his new role and his view of safety at Bristow. Q: Tell us about your career and time at Bristow. A: Before my flying career began, I was a member of the Royal Marines for a number of years, serving all over the world. My initial helicopter training was with Oxford Air Training School based in the U.K. I joined SAR crews in Den Helder follow a strict training regime to remain current in every aspect of SAR flying. Bristow in 1998 as a co-pilot on the AS332, based from Aberdeen, but have been Jonathan Stripling FACES OF BRISTOW fortunate to gain type ratings on the S-76 and EC225, which permitted me to operate from the majority of bases around Europe. I have served Bristow in a variety of roles to date, which have included chief pilot and director of Caroline van Daalen is a Flight Operations for Europe. senior operations controller who joined Bristow in 2004 Q: You're the first Bristow line pilot in this role. How does after holding similar positions that affect your perspective? at carriers that included KLM. A: Knowing that safety is one of the company's core values gives my “I’ve never regretted the colleagues and myself the confidence to climb into an aircraft every decision to join Bristow,” she day. I know that the correct maintenance procedures have been says. “I just love my job – the carried out, and if, for any safety reason, I'm not happy to fly, I know diversity, solving problems and I have the full support of my line manager. Safety is one of our main working with people. And as differentiators, and I think our clients recognize that. aviation is a small world, you often meet the same people. Q: Do you think the Target Zero goal is achievable? Having great colleagues makes A: Yes, I think the goal of zero accidents, zero harm to people and it even better.” zero harm to the environment is fully achievable. Garry Williams, chief SAR air Q: Do you see any gaps in our safety system? crewman, joined Bristow in A: No, but I do see challenges in maintaining the momentum and 1971 and has remained in SAR improving upon the standards already achieved. We're in an economic operations, working mainly in climate in which it would be all too easy to let standards and safety slip the Shetland Isles and Northern in order to get the job done. It's good to know that safety and standards North Sea Offshore. “The job have the support and conviction of our senior management team. satisfaction, working closely with the fishing fleets in the Northern Q: Any messages for your fellow pilots and other Isles, has been tremendous,” he Bristow employees? says. “I can only hope that the A: There is no compromise on safety. Our standards and training are experience gained in nearly four second to none. We have an excellent management structure and decades by the company is not work well as a team. Always view different scenarios from a safety and lost. We are a market leader in common sense perspective, and if in doubt, stop and ask. this field, and we need to keep it that way." Bristow World 2008 / Issue 3 II 3 Bristow earns key training certification in Europe With European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval to offer practical anticipated addition of Eurocopter AS332L practical training – and that’s training on the Sikorsky S-76, Bristow now offers complete maintenance good news for Bristow’s bottom line. training for engineers to earn their European license to service this aircraft series. “Bristow is now listed on the U.K. CAA website, so companies can see the training we provide and enroll their engineers if it fits their “Before receiving this certification from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority requirements,” he says. “We’re open for business.” (CAA), we were only able to teach theory,” says Pete Jack, deputy chief instructor in Centralized Operations. “Practical training means hands-on aircraft experience and is required to apply to a national authority for licensing. This new capability will help engineers receive their (aircraft) type ratings a lot sooner,” Jack says. First graduates Five Bristow engineers were among the first class to complete the full two-week course for the S-76C++, held in Norwich. Jack taught his group of B1.3-license students in the areas of airframe, electrical and engine systems. Training Manager Paul Richardson instructed another class of B2-license students in practical avionics a few weeks later. For the next session, scheduled for November in Aberdeen, Jack says an S-76A+ airframe has been acquired to serve as the training aircraft. He also expects Instructor Pete Jack (far left) joins Bristow B1.3-license graduates of the first S-76C++ practical training course. Congratulations to engineers (from left) Erik Verhoogt, Jo Cruz, Danny Dragstra, Denis Scheffer and Mike Howley. outside interest to continue to build – especially with the Pilots in the press promote flying Bristow father and son pilots Patrick and Michel Gerard share a passion for flying that recently earned them 15 minutes of fame. Their turn in the public spotlight came from a newspaper article highlighting their jobs as pilots. The Gerards, both pilots at Scatsta in Shetland (off the coast of Scotland), were featured in The Press and Journal in Aberdeen. The Gerards, who both fly the S-92, have worked at the same base since 2004. “The company usually doesn’t like to crew together people from the same family, but it’s happened twice,” says Patrick. “It was a great experience flying with Michel, but I know it can be difficult for him being at the same location as his father.” Michel, who made headlines when he got his basic pilot’s license at age 15, graduated from Bristow Academy, where he got his commercial pilot’s Michel Gerard, left, began flying at Scatsta in 2004, following assignments in Aberdeen, Den Helder (The Netherlands) and Bergen (Norway). Patrick started flying at Scatsta in 2000 and completed his 31st year with Bristow in February. 4 4 World/ Issue 2009 II/ Issue 3 BristowBristow World 2008 license. Now 28, he completed his instrument rating in Norwich. Michel’s thoughts about being a pilot? “It’s a very satisfying job, and you are always looking to improve.” After 20 years, a reunion with ‘Eric’ Stationed at a remote site in the Falkland Islands in the late 1980s as a member of the Royal Air Force, Phil Hume recalls the eagerly awaited arrivals of RAF 78 Squadron helicopters carrying personnel and supplies. “Bristow was the contractor supporting the helicopters, and the newspapers and letters they brought us were treated like gold,” Hume says. “We named the aircraft Eric, after the famous British darts player Eric Bristow. When they were 10 minutes out, the call of “Eric in 10” would be broadcast and a crowd would gather.” Fast-forward 20 years, and Hume is a flight operations controller for Bristow in Norwich, England. To his delight and surprise, he recently encountered one of the same aircraft that brought news from the outside world to his Falklands outpost. “I had the opportunity to fly in it again, which brought back some happy memories,” he says. “No matter what the technology we have now, you can’t beat a newspaper and letter delivered by Eric.” Phil Hume and “Eric” in the Falkland Islands in 1989. The two would cross paths 20 years later and half a world away. Bristow Academy goes on patrol with sheriff’s department It’s nearly midnight on the Sacramento River, and a stranded boater shines first three years, and flights began in mid-1997 with an Academy pilot and a flashlight toward a passing helicopter. In short order his ordeal ends, a Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) on board. thanks to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department … and Bristow Academy in Concord, California. Going strong after 11 years, the relationship between Bristow Academy Getting results Flying six nights per week, the program had an immediate impact that and the sheriff’s department has resulted in more than 8,300 hours of air led to the addition of a second aircraft, a Bell 206, in 2003. “We’ve been support while answering thousands of calls for assistance. And it’s all been involved in more than 7,000 calls in addition to the regular nightly patrol of done without a single accident or incident. waterways, bridges, refineries and a chemical plant,” says Olson, who flew “It’s a strong partnership that’s been working – and working safely – for all these years,” says Chuck Olson, general manager of Bristow Academy’s the patrols for 18 months. Among the highlights are 70 rescues, searches for more than 100 Concord campus. “We provide pilot services and hangar and office missing persons, 650 arrest assists and 233 arrests. “We’ve also done space and perform all maintenance on the aircraft. This lets the sheriff’s more than 100 pursuits, and those are a pilot favorite,” Olson says. “You department concentrate on law enforcement.” have someone in a car, and they really can’t get away from a helicopter.” Growth spurs need Contra Costa County covers 720 square miles to the east of San Francisco Bay and is home to more than one million people. As the population grew rapidly in the 1990s, Sheriff Warren Rupf assigned a deputy to research the prospects for air support. “Bristow Academy, which was Helicopter Adventures Inc. (HAI) at the time, was the local helicopter company at the county airport,” Olson says. “Patrick Corr, HAI's founder, wanted to support the effort and worked extensively with the sheriff’s office to put it together.” A Bell 407 was purchased by the county with drug seizure funds and outfitted with infrared cameras, a powerful searchlight, siren and PA system. Neighboring Alameda County chipped in on operating costs for the The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department has saved more than $1 million by using Bristow Academy to fly, maintain and store its helicopters. Bristow World 2008 / Issue 5 II 5 VENDOR PROFILE Sikorsky aircraft help Bristow continue to soar In the early 1950s, young Alan Bristow began flying Sikorsky S-51 Emphasis on innovation helicopters to help commercial fishing vessels in the North Sea spot Sikorsky is constantly researching and developing new technologies to whales. Six decades later, the company named for Bristow depends on ensure that its aircraft remain ahead of the curve. The company spends Sikorsky aircraft daily to help companies explore for and produce energy more than $100 million per year on engineering R&D, which does not around the world. include the contracted development of military aircraft. Bristow is one of Sikorsky’s largest commercial Marc Poland Once viewed as a military-oriented business – with nearly 90 percent customers, with approximately 130 Sikorsky helicopters of revenue coming from government-related contracts – Sikorsky has in the fleet. “Bristow is a very important customer to more than doubled its commercial revenue, which now exceeds $1 billion us,” says Marc Poland, Sikorsky Global Helicopter vice annually, representing 20-25 percent of the company’s total annual president, who highlights two significant milestones in revenue. “I believe that we are listening more to our customers, and they the Bristow-Sikorsky relationship. are now much more involved in our design considerations,” Poland says. The first occurred more than 30 years ago, when Air Logistics introduced the Sikorsky S-76® to the Look no further than the S-76D™, which debuted earlier this year at the annual Helicopter Association International (HAI) Expo. More than three offshore oil industry. Since then, the S-76 has become the overwhelming years in the making, the S-76D was conceived with offshore oil operators aircraft of choice for offshore oil support operations, with Sikorsky in mind. It features all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades, autopilot, delivering the model to more than 220 operators in 59 countries and dual-speed rotor with active vibration control, Pratt & Whitney Canada accumulating more than 5 million flight hours. 210S engine and a quiet mode. On track for delivery beginning in 2010, The second took place early this decade, when Bristow began replacing many of its aircraft from the late '70s and early '80s with new S-76 and the S-76D also features an increase in load capability and extended range performance compared to the S-76C+ and S-76C++. S-92 helicopters. “The relationship with Bristow is based on a firm foundation,” says David Powell, vice president, North America, Sales. “We have worked together and have grown our businesses together. Our partnership is based on transparent and open communication and a mutual commitment to supporting a common goal of Dave Powell serving customers in the offshore oil industry.” More than a supplier Sikorsky backs up its commitment by dedicating a team member at subsidiary Helicopter Support International to ensure that any request for support from Bristow is “resolved as quickly as Bristow wants it to be,” says Poland. That team member is Drew Bodington, based in Trumbull, Connecticut. “Drew comes in each morning knowing he’s going to speak to nobody Sikorsky expects to start delivering the S-76D in 2010. other than Bristow customers,” Poland says. “There are not many customers that are significant enough to Sikorsky to merit that kind of fulltime attention, but Bristow is certainly at the top of that list.” On the product side of the business, Sikorsky dedicates a program manager to each aircraft SIKORSKY AT A GLANCE model, and each schedules a weekly webcast with Bristow and other major • Based: Stratford, Connecticut • 2008 sales: $5.37 billion • Founded: 1925 by Igor Sikorsky • Parent company: United Technologies Corp. (UTC) • Website: sikorsky.com 6 6 World/ Issue 2009 II/ Issue 3 BristowBristow World 2008 offshore operators. Sikorsky also hosts what Poland calls “Bristow-unique” interactions, which are technical working sessions with subject matter experts from both companies. Still in the experimental stage, the X2 Demonstrator™ from Sikorsky will cruise comfortably at 250 knots (287 mph). SPEAK UP! by Juan Camarillo You are a maintenance employee at a remote base and have consistently witnessed the base manager violate numerous company policies such as transporting his girlfriend on nonrevenue flights, creating a hostile work environment and discriminating against certain employees. Or, you are a new Bristow pilot and have just been advised by your immediate Juan Camarillo supervisor not to report a safety issue. In these cases you have several options: go to your supervisor, HR, Safety or your next manager up. What should you do? Stay quiet and go on about your business? No, not at Bristow! We all face complex dilemmas as part of our jobs. In this current Sikorsky manufactures nearly 50 models of airplanes and helicopters. Its parent company also owns Pratt & Whitney, which manufactures, services and supports aircraft engines, industrial gas turbines and space propulsion systems. economic downturn, you may be especially reluctant to speak up. This is where the Bristow Ethics and Compliance Hotline (Hotline Call System) comes into play. The Hotline Call System provides you another forum to speak up. It can be used to report, anonymously or not, any Code of Business IN THE FLEET Integrity (COBI) violations, illegal behavior or unethical activity that would cause loss or harm to Bristow or its employees, customers, suppliers or shareholders. While you are encouraged to discuss any concerns or questions with your appropriate supervisor or manager first and also to turn to specialist department resources such as HR, it may not always be comfortable or possible to do this, especially if the situation involves any of those individuals. Also, it may not always be clear whom you should talk to. Some examples of activities that should be reported include safety hazards; theft or fraud; discrimination or harassment; and noncompliance with laws, regulations or Bristow policies. The Hotline Call System is an integral component of Bristow's compliance program. Any retaliation related to an employee filing a report will be appropriately addressed by management. Additionally, the company does not attempt to identify anonymous callers as part of the investigative procedures or by any other electronic means. All reports into the Hotline Call System are considered confidential and are investigated by an impartial individual. If you have any comments or questions regarding the Hotline Call System, please call (713.267.7609) or email me. We are currently looking at ways to improve different aspects of the Hotline Call System, including communication of results and actions. Your ideas are always welcome. Juan Camarillo is the director of Internal Audit and the administrator of Bristow’s Ethics and Compliance Hotline. You'll find more Sikorsky aircraft in the Bristow fleet than any other. The fleet includes approximately 30 S-92® models, 50 S-76 models and 50 Schweizer 300™ CB/Cbi. Sikorsky's parent company purchased Schweizer in 2004. CONFIDENTIAL HOTLINE U.S. 888.840.4147 Int’l. 770.582.5277 Bristow World 2008 / Issue 7 II 7 News Briefs More than 100 children attend school at the CRARN Academy. Many of the children helped by CRARN were labeled as witches and wizards in their communities and abandoned by their families. North Sea safety in the spotlight Donations support Nigerian school In June, the Europe Business Unit’s Northern North Sea team held a Donations from Bristow to the Child's Right and Rehabilitation Network Safety Action Day, geared to deliver a "safer base by 1600.” The day (CRARN) are helping to construct a school building for children in the put open safety actions on the table for a team from the Aberdeen and state of Akwa Ibom in Nigeria. Bristow House is part of an effort to help Scatsta bases to organize required fixes. street and abandoned children in the Niger Delta state. Activities included a Target Zero walk around the Aberdeen base and a “FOD (Foreign Object Damage) Plod” across the ramp. Action teams Aberdeen apprentice sees double are continuing to work through the problems identified. More Safety Michael Gibbs, an apprentice technician based in Aberdeen, Scotland, Action Days are planned later this year. was named Best Mechanical Apprentice and Apprentice of the Year during the Tullos Training awards ceremony held at the Tree Tops Hotel. Gibbs, 19, was presented the awards in June by Sir Moir Lockhead, OBE, chief executive of transport giant FirstGroup plc. He beat out more than 150 apprentices covering all trades at the Aberdeen training center. CFO Brumley featured in TV news analysis Bristow Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Brumley was one of three executives in Houston highlighted in a local TV station’s report on the existence of a “glass ceiling” for women in the city’s business community. A "FOD Plod" gathered debris around the edge of the ramp at Aberdeen. Displaying their trophies are, from left, John Tough, Louise Hall, Cameron Beattie, Ian Ryles, Roy Wood, Lauren MacLeod, Tim Glasspool and Alan Grant. Participants Richard Enoch and Alex Merchant successfully avoided the camera. In August, Elizabeth Brumley was promoted to chief financial officer from acting chief financial officer. Interviewed in her office and onboard a Bristow helicopter, Brumley said her experience indicated that merit was the main factor to advancement. “I’ve had bosses who mentored me, who encouraged me to take the next step iConnect on target for October start and who groomed me for the next step because they saw I had the Portions of Bristow’s new iConnect Human Resources Information technical qualifications to do it,” she said. System will go live in October as scheduled, with self-serve capabilities Management Changes for both employees and managers arriving in early 2010. In phase one, HR will use iConnect to complete transactions and generate reports for the business units. Integrating U.S. and U.K. payroll functions into iConnect is set for Jan. 1, 2010, with other regions to follow. Once self-serve becomes available, employees will be able to After three decades in the oil and gas business and four years with Bristow as director of the Other International Business Unit (OIBU), securely access and update personal information, complete reviews Pedro Blazquez is retiring – again. Coaxed out of retirement to join and enroll in benefits programs (U.S. only). Manager self-serve will include initiating and managing pay increases, bonus determinations, performance reviews, new-hire requisitions and on-demand reports. Bristow Group Inc. 2000 W Sam Houston Pkwy S Suite 1700, Houston, TX 77042 t 713.267.7600 f 713.267.7620 bristowgroup.com Blazquez retires, Rodd steps up Bristow, he is returning to France to be with his family. Nic Rodd, most recently OIBU finance director, will assume Pedro's duties for an interim period during the search for a permanent replacement. Editor Editorial Team Stacie Fairchild [email protected] 713.267.7607 Rick Rogers – N. America (Alaska) Boma Tamuno – West Africa (Nigeria) Jeff Peabody – N. America (Alaska) Amla Ramnasibsingh – Caribbean Fiona MacLeod – Europe (Aberdeen) Allan Blake – Australia Audrey Smith – Europe (Aberdeen) Steve Lunn – Other International (Redhill) Erica Baker – N. America (U.S. Gulf of Mexico) Fabiola Shoalmire – Latin America Submit your story idea to your local team member. Anisha Hopkinson – Bristow Academy 8 © 2009World Bristow Group Inc.II Bristow 2008 / Issue 8