Volume 8, Number 1CHC Helicopter Corporation CHC Bell 212s on the tarmac in Baghdad. By Brian Arsenault ON DECEMBER 12, we received the official award to transport weapons inspectors around Iraq for the United Nations. I knew at that moment that we would be working around the clock for the next 13 days. Our biggest challenge was to organize the mobilization of the four Bell 212 helicopters, which were located in Thailand, South Africa and Vancouver. The engineers had the toughest assignment, and they carried it out flawlessly. Two helicopters, based in Vancouver, were nearing completion of their major refurbishments and 3000hour maintenance inspections. Engineers worked double shifts to have all inspections and test flights completed so the last of the training could be completed before disassembly for transport to Baghdad. On Dec. 21 these aircraft departed YVR on board two transport trucks, headed for Calgary, Alberta, on the other side of the Rocky Mountains. In Calgary, they were loaded on a 747 Freighter bound for Luxembourg. On Dec 27 the helicopters were loaded onto trucks bound for Vatry, France. When you’re working for the UN – particularly the UN in Iraq – everybody knows about it, and without any prompting, the French Military called to ask about the transfer through their country. They just wanted to know if they could be of any help. The next day the aircraft were loaded onto an Ilyushin IL76 Russian Transport, which departed for Baghdad. From the time the aircraft left Vancouver until their arrival in Vatry the were under the supervision of Ross Chamberlain and John Leblanc. The IL76 arrived on Dec 29 to the waiting arms of our crews in Baghdad. On New Year’s Day both aircraft were serviceable and ready for UN tasking. The Thailand Bell 212 required painting and last minute maintenance, which was headed up by Mark Christie. On Dec 18 the aircraft was ferried to Bangkok from U-Tapao (the Thai Navy Base). On Christmas Day, Mark arrived in Abu Dhabi with the helicopter, which was then transloaded onto a truck bound for Dubai. The next day the helicopter was dropped off at the Panalpina holding area to wait for the South African 212. The fourth machine, based in Cape Town, underwent a 3000-hour inspection, was reassembled, and acquired Continued on page 4 CHC AUSTRALIA SOUTHCARE pilot Mike Toms and Aircrewman Euan McKenzie were returning for more water to battle fires in Namadgi National Park near Canberra Jan. 13 when they noticed something was amiss. The team had been bucketing water in the Bell 412 since about 6:30 a.m., shadowing a helicopter pilot from another firm, Duncan Patrick. Euan McKenzie races against time to rescue pilot. Around lunchtime, Mike wondered aloud: “Where’s Firebird 218?” He was referring to Duncan Patrick’s Bell Jet Ranger, and a turn around a bend at Bendora Dam revealed the awful truth. The Jet Ranger was upturned in the reservoir, weighed down by the engine in its roof, and sinking. There was no sign of the pilot. “It’s quite a scary thing to see, in a sense, that he had been doing exactly what we had been doing.” Euan said. “Then it was just, ‘OK, let’s get him out’. And we went ahead without hesitation.” Mike hovered about six meters above the stricken craft as Euan jumped. He dived down into the black water and saw that the helicopter door was off and the pilot was unconscious and still buckled upside down in his seat. Under normal circumstances, Euan’s job is to remain in the aircraft and operate the rescue systems, while two Southcare paramedics tend to victims. 3 5 6 Airlifting Helicopters Teaching an old dog Keepers of the Light Continued on page 5 January – April 2003 Graham is known to be totally relaxed while under pressure. We can. Well done “Brownie”. and to the expert training CHC Australia provides its emergency crews. • He can find anything lost in a freight handler’s warehouse. It’s been brought to my attention that one man behind the scenes in Australia has worked through 20 years of change with one consistent objective: to succeed. and sharing resources to reduce costs. However. India. Graham manages the flow of equipment. CHC’s greatest strength is its ability to take advantage of shifts in emerging markets. and every effort was made to retain this contract. although we do have some flexibility in delivery dates in order to ensure we access the aircraft when new contracts dictate. commercial invoices and dangerous goods requirements are no problem. and must do so. that I haven’t had the opportunity to meet everyone – at least not yet. and will offer the best customer value in the region. at reasonable margins. 1 service provider in the region. is a man to whom failure is simply not an option. and complete aircraft to Australia’s 14 widespread bases. But it’s the same professionalism and dedication behind the scenes that allows CHC to remain the world leader – and will allow us to stay on top as market conditions change. I believe this change in the marketplace will translate into opportunities for those service companies which can adapt. The entrance of this new aircraft. by providing greater cost efficiencies. regardless of the time or place. New operators such as Apache are very focused on value. and other majors are considering further divestment. Graham Brown. continued focus on excellent customer service. . and the creation of Astec UK are all positive steps in our effort to continue to be the No. which is good for business. and the fundamentals which provide the strength of the CHC group. CHC has clearly demonstrated its leadership in meeting these challenges. spares. But rather than look back. Our CHC Scotia team worked very hard on this project. East Sale. Tyson (now a CHC LAE) and Kelly have followed in their father’s footsteps in the aviation industry and his devoted wife Monica has been called upon to be patient more than once while her husband attends urgent AOG matters. However. That’s praise well-earned. Graham’s three children Corey. and cut free the trapped pilot. we will continue to be a world leader. I’d like to examine the opportunities and challenges I see ahead of us. Thailand. and the introduction of smaller offshore players. 2004. CHC Australia’s engineers. flight crews and support staff all perform their tasks more effectively knowing Graham Brown is taking care of business behind the scenes. our Australian Southcare crew made headlines in most of the country’s newspapers. when they came to the aid of an another pilot. This is more than double the number of deepwater fields brought onstream in the last five years. which are strategically located worldwide. recent research confirms the world’s deepwater markets will demonstrate significant growth over the next several years. Chairman & Chief Executive Officer WITH OUR CHC AFRICA crew in Antarctica this January. In December. Graham’s unique skills mean: • He gets equipment to the right place. Our consolidation efforts in Europe. dove underwater. On the deepwater side. 1. and greater flexibility. we were once again working on all seven continents. We are currently evaluating the Sikorsky S-92 to determine if it better meets the requirements of our customers. proving that CHC can. BP has announced the sale of various assets. flew through 70 mph winds.500 professionals is so spread out. Our team of 2. As you know. By leveraging the skills of our divisions. I am hearing reports from all corners of the world on the tremendous professionalism and skill demonstrated by our employees. Winchman Neville Murphy carefully brought the victim to safety. He’s described as a sparkling wit within CHC Australia who everybody knows and loves. and its proclaimed lower operating costs. O. shipping invoices. along with winch operator Eamonn Burns. The World Deepwater Report recently released by energy consultants DouglasWestwood indicates that there are more than 140 deepwater field developments listed for development over the next five years. Williamtown. whose small machine had crashed in water. I understand that Coastguard Brass have commended the crew for a “fantastic job in atrocious weather”. CHC Australia’s Expediter.2 Craig Dobbin. will hopefully encourage Eurocopter to become more competitive. and across the sea to East Timor and beyond. Most recently. wherever the problem. we were disappointed to learn that we will lose the BP crew contact Aug. CHC Crewman Euan McKenzie jumped from our Bell 412. Ireland. I commend you all for your efforts in meeting the challenges of our changing marketplace. CHC remains committed to acquiring and operating the most advanced fleet of helicopters necessary to meet our customers’ deepwater needs. The pilot owes his life to Euan’s skill and quick thinking. 28. urgent calls for help and aircraft out of service would never bother Graham. on Jan. On the other side of the world. and look forward to continued improvement – and continued growth – throughout the CHC group. Most of us carry out our tasks under slightly less dramatic conditions. on time and at the right price. and I offer my congratulations to Neville. our S-61 Coastguard rescue crew in Shannon. We have not revised our Eurocopter deliveries of up to six Super Puma MKIIs and two EC 225s through to 2005. Adelaide. I’m told that over the years. and keep up the good work. and saved the life of a seriously injured seaman despite 30-foot waves and the onset of darkness. This is particularly important with the ongoing fragmentation of the market in the North Sea. We cannot be complacent. the entrance of a third player in the North Sea market underscores the necessity of remaining competitive. • Nightmare customs regulations. introduction of a common software system.C. We have won a significant long-term contract renewal with BP in the southern North Sea. and he gets the nod as this issue’s CHC Champion. Graham would “just fix it”. Sylvain Allard President CHC HAS PERFORMED extremely well over the past two years. and Captains Robert Goodbody and Tony O’Mahoney for one heck of a rescue. CHC HS engineer Torbjørn Frafjord. Configured for offshore oil and gas support. for BHP Biliton. flew up from Bosnia where it had operated in support of UN relief work out of Sarajevo. Norway. Oman for oil exploration support. consisted of two Bell 204s to Columbia in 1968. for example. four CHC Scotia engineers and two CHC Helikopter Service engineers assisted in the preparation of the aircraft for the airlift and in the loading of the helicopters into the IL-76. awaits the loading of two aircraft at CHC's base in Stavanger. 7 No. flying for Petrobras in the early 1990s. they have been responsible for moving more than 100 helicopters around the world by sea and air through the years. To Darwin on schedule The Ilyushin departed Stavanger in the late afternoon of 7 November.) Destined for UN work in Dili. The first airlift it organised. spares and miscellaneous equipment. who also organised the necessary handling assistance at Stavanger’s Sola Airport. who went with the aircraft to Darwin. The Forwarding Department of Astec Helicopter Services has been an international public freight forwarder. where the transport aircraft’s heavy winches took over to bring the helicopters into their final positions for the airlift. Australia. In total. for lease to Brazilian operator Aeroleo. The Loading Operation The Bell 212 minus rotors and pylon went in first. Three CHC International engineers. But with the busy Australian summer firefighting season ahead. Motorised loading assistance was provided by Scandinavian Airlines ground handlers. WA. arriving via Nuremberg. The heavy SAS tractor and platform trailer moved the two helicopters cautiously into position behind the ramp of the Ilyushin. The heavy aircraft reached Darwin as scheduled in the early morning of 9 November. They want to thank everyone involved in the operation for a job well done and to wish CHC Australia and CHC International good luck with the operations. Teamwork The Canadian-registered Bell 212. Ian McBeath invited the International crews to work alongside the Australian crews for a few months in order to provide the best possible service to the customer. Both went into the big belly of an Ilyushin IL-76 operated by Volare Airlines of the Ukraine. The Super Puma was taken on board complete except for its rotors. on completion of the loading operation. Their experience in this field was utilised in. ACTING AS A STAGING post for CHC International and CHC Australia. roll-off and takeoff” concept.3 The massive Ilyushin IL-76. moving three Sikorsky S-61N helicopters from Stavanger to Brazil. 1999. Top right: Volare crewmen operate the IL-76's loading winches as the Super Puma is lifted gently off the trailer. having stopped for crew rest and refuelling at Masqat and Singapore. 2002 – a Bell 212 and a Super Puma. the aircraft would normally have been operated by Australian crews. The same Forwarding Department later introduced a world-wide “roll-on. CHC Australia M. with the Volare aircrew and an international mix of CHC engineers participating enthusiastically. All local customs clearance and other paper work was handled by Astec’s forwarders. followed by two Bell 47s to Muscat. operated by Volare Airlines. the Super Puma is now on contract in Broome. used to move helicopters between harbours all over the world.D. C-GOKX. there was no shortage of helping hands during the loading of the aircraft. and were destined for East Timor and Western Australia. E. is seen here explaining the finer points of aircraft loading to Astec's Einar Tunge. who have been in E. The Super Puma was a CHC Scotia AS 332L – G-BKZH – flown across the North Sea to Stavanger from Aberdeen. Timor. air freight agent and approved customs broker since 1970. under the name of Helikopter Service. 2. Top left: Bell 212 enters the belly of the IL-76. Astec Helicopter Services organised the transportation of two CHC aircraft to Darwin. Johan Petersen Astec Helicopter Services . Timor continuously since May. Stowed alongside the aircraft in the IL-76 were the dismantled rotor components. on 7 November. left. As the photos show. (See “Healing a Nation” in Rotortales Vol. The department’s airlift experience includes the transportation of two Super Pumas in a single IL-76 to Vietnam and Australia in 1993. CHC Helicopters International . Clay Jordan of Monroe. Chris Hodson reported that two aircraft made their first flights on Jan 7. Although TAS and CHC will be remembered for their famous ‘challenge’ flight. It’s a place called Koh Ta-Ru Tau Island.” UN spokesman Hiro Ukei told a press briefing in Baghdad. On January 5 the IL76 departed Mombasa for Sharjah. The crew that made this happen was Mike Roberts. The Thai and South African helicopter arrived in Baghdad on January 6. “We are going to use the helicopters for a variety of operations. The 212 was then disassembled for shipping and ready to go on January 3. Though unlikely that we will be offered a re-occurring role on the Survivor series. This tropical island was the place called home by the 16 Survivor Castaways for 39 days. everyone that was involved in the filming would be privy to the sequence of events that took place. the Andaman Sea side. On any given day you could cross paths with a wild buffalo. CA and his guest. But until the show had been aired. by the way. minutes before departure from Mombasa. it is also famous for its exotic wildlife. TAS was called upon to fly the directors and producers to and from the island on numerous occasions. A special thanks also goes out to Juerg Boschung and Bea Braun at Panalpina for making sure all carriers were on time and within budget. and new ones in the future. it was an endeavor unlike any other and we are proud that our distinguished helicopter was able to enjoy its 15 minutes of fame. Ted could tell no one: The minute we showed up. I know we can make deadlines like this one. Prior to the filming of this 4th Survivor series. On December 28. Transportation is one. the food is good and plentiful (although several of the guys came down with Baghdad belly). Although our pilots interview was edited from the show. who happened to have UN Baghdad letterhead on his laptop. we were able to see the sleek red. run ups and test flights were carried out. CHC INTERNATIONAL and partner Thai Aviation Services made their prime-time TV debut on episode 10 of the popular reality show ‘Survivor Thailand.’ Pilots Khun Sura Chaisatra and Ted Gep were privileged enough to be asked to work on a project for the CBS television network. for reasons never explained. Our job was to provide transportation for the winners of the ‘Knock-Out Challenge’. Robert Toma. It’s dedication and professionalism like this that leaves no doubt in my mind that when called upon. But again. The event took place on an interesting little island on the West Coast of Thailand. sweeping across Iraq’s western desert. CHC and TAS were called upon to help CBS scout the islands of Thailand for the perfect location to set up the two camps of Chuay Gahn and Sook Jai. Thus. Nonetheless. so it’s quite a site. since the show is taped some months in advance. and he faxed a letter to the Sharjah Bell 212s in Vancouver. it was an opportunity to explore areas of Thailand they may otherwise never have seen. The lucky winner was Brian Heidik of Quartz Hill. aerial monitoring and possibly in conjunction with a land-based inspection. We then arranged another IL76 based in South Africa to take the 212 to Mombasa. But at the last minute. aerial inspections. white and blue helicopter land on the beach to pick up the winners and take them on an incredible journey. Military and Government officials to get things moving. A special thanks has to go out to all the engineers and the maintenance support staff who worked long and hard to make this all come together. where it would meet the first IL76 and take the crew and 212. or be surrounded by thousands of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Thailand.4 Koh Ta-Ru Tau Island. Chris Brownell and Chris Moore. For the half dozen pilots involved in this scouting mission. to a secret location (the mainland) for their prize: a helicopter ride. LA. one could partake in gambling and of course ruin the surprise of the outcome of who won what and when. They’ve described their Iraqi hosts as overly friendly and helpful. Pilot Ted Gep writes: The tranquil serenity of the little known spot is ideal for the supposed ‘deserted island paradise’ setting of the Survivor series. snakes such as the python and venomous king cobra. Best known for having been a prison camp in 1938. this was the location for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for a few of our pilots. The 8 pilots and 6 engineers are based at the Rimal Hotel in Baghdad and report that everything is on track and. The mission went off perfectly and the UN folks were happy they didn’t have to travel by jeep. with a helping hand from the engineering staff at CHC Africa. Continued from page 1 its Canadian registration by the end of the day on December 24. A typical day involves a fleet of eight helicopters taking off in formation from Baghdad. our chartered IL76 was denied landing rights in South Africa. Phuket and Phi Phi Island (where the ‘00 movie The Beach was filmed). Fortunately. including Krabbie. elephant trek through the jungle and a Thai feast. In other words. it was made clear to us that all contractual employees are required to sign a $6 million bond of secrecy. Who knew? It was an enjoyable job and pleasant change from the everyday routine of flying out of Songkhla. landing rights were refused in Sharjah by the Sharjah Military. Among the spectacular sights were the mushroom-shaped islands of Tarutao. the largest of 51 islands making up the Tarutao National Park. Base Manager Capt. they also were involved behind the scenes throughout the duration of the show. I was able to reach a UN official in Vermont (enjoying his holidays). Southcare rescue photos appeared in newspapers across Australia. and is said to be making a strong recovery. mini refurbish and wait for it – external sponson fuel tanks! Never seen or fitted by us before. calm influence and just kept talking to the pilot. once worked as a lifeguard at Noosa. Senior Base Engineer and his team have battled the hot and sticky wet season to bring this machine together. including in the Adelaide Advertiser. “The old ones are the best” and this dog has few tricks left in her yet. Cliff (10 men) Shute. With the pilots up front. After being out in the cold for 20 years this little baby’s not going to need a jump start. “It was hard work and my life jacket was not supporting me very well. we’ve also had an influx of pilots from the Motherland. and landed at the shore when they saw there was trouble. and after CHC Helicopters (Australia) . usual avionics gismos.” said Euan. Euan said he would have made it to shore had the pair not been there but it would have taken “a lot longer. Ashley faced another challenge. even though he was unconscious. I certainly have experience as a rescue crewman and I was quite comfortable with what we were doing.. he drew the short straw yet again. who has been involved in rescue work in Queensland for 10 years. external sponson tanks and full fuel we won’t need an Ilyusion to ferry this machine. It’s something where you can get out of bed in the morning and not know what to expect. It’s just a rumour but VH-LHK before . Well as luck would have it. Assistance then arrived when Canberra Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and Bushfire and Emergency Services Director Peter Lucas Smith swam out to help bring the pilot to shore. Too late for the Ashes Series but maybe we can fix him up with the Darwin School boy elevens. Do you remember Ashley Strauss? He is the Tom Cruise look-alike who had to put the last Super Puma together. where Patrick Duncan lives. we don’t care what vintage you send us. and a Vegemite sandwich or two we can point them in the right direction and wave bye bye. Chris Schrapel (King of the Cone Heads. Beautiful one day. Matt O’Brien. perfect the next. “He was a good. one was reported to be carrying a cricket bat. As Project Co-ordinator. Southcare was operating with a crew of two. A southern hemisphere compass swing and it will be ready for a tour in tropical Broome. Euan managed to get the pilot out of his safety harness and to the surface. and then tried to balance on the upturned helicopter as he gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. “It’s certainly not my job to jump into the water and dive into a submerged helicopter but.” After diving under. Euan said. The five-year CHC veteran was back on deck fighting the fires at 8 a. “It’s a very rewarding job. sorry I’m told these are essential gismos. CHC Australia parted company with its pride of the fleet and gained a 20 year-old veteran of the North Sea. The contents gauge was reading Hogshead of Claret. “We did that for about 25 minutes and then he spontaneously started breathing again. above.” Patrick Duncan regained consciousness Jan. Dream on boys! There’s a lot of hard work yet to be done. Euan inflated a life jacket and started to move slowly towards the shore carrying the dead weight of the pilot who remained blacked out and heavy with sodden clothes. After a lot of heartache and a fair bit of jiggery pokery by Syd Harbour and Peter Kluzek they managed to fit the tanks in roughly the right place. Fuel contents indication was a challenge as the Pomms use some funny liquid measurements. 21 after being in a coma for more than a week. For the new English crew it will be Pearls and Oysters instead of North Sea cod and chips. the next day. As they say. Continued from page 1 FOLLOWING A RE-SHUFFLE of Super Pumas earlier in the year. that in mind. Luckily for us we picked up some tanks from Scotia and International some time ago thinking the packing crates were more valuable than the contents.” he said. We are grateful to Scotia for the replacement machine and rest assured we will put it to good use. a workmate of the stricken pilot was also a strong source of support. Congratulations to CHI on a deal resulting in the internal company swap. New interior trim. Talking of Pomms. Certificate of Airworthiness. that’s Avionics Manager to the uninformed) managed to find a conversion chart to kgs. If he’s good enough he might even make twelfth man.” The two senior officials had been observing in another helicopter. With the transformation complete and looking resplendent. just saying ‘Keep breathing mate.. A third pilot. With Chris’ new Flight Track we can even keep an eye on them if they get lost. “I got about 20 breaths in and the helicopter sank.5 But to ensure the helicopter could carry as much water as possible in its bucket.m. With our own internal tank.” Euan said. Euan and Peter Lucas Smith then worked to revive the victim on shore. keep breathing mate’. But you can’t fool us down-under. It turns out that Euan.” he said. The result of this traffic is the requirement for good navigational aids. CHC Africa has been providing such a service to the Lighthouse Service of the National Ports Authority (NPA). Jeremy Labuschagne. For example. For as long as anybody can remember. such as found along the coasts of Canada. throws out a staggering light beam equivalent to 23 million candle power which makes it the most powerful lighthouse in the southern hemisphere. The ships engaged in the oil trade from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Mexico. cannot fail to notice that the coasts of South Africa happen to run parallel to some of the most important sea routes in the world. due to the crossroads nature of its offshore. the ore trade from Australia to Europe. Norway or the United Kingdom. or a globe. the automotive trade from the Far East to West Africa and the general trade from the Indian sub-continent to South America all have to pass the Southern African coast in order to reach their destination. sea routes have some of the most powerful lighthouses on earth. Cape Point Lighthouse. the coast of South Africa is the best-lit coast in the whole of the African continent and. at the end of the continent. which includes lighthouses. but they are Dassen Island Lighthouse and the Sikorsky S-61N CHC Helicopters (Africa) . was one of the Pilots who flew the original proving flights for the service way back in the days of the venerable Allouette 3!! The service has come a long way since then. plied by some of the world’s largest vessels. The result of this geographical nicety is that most local Lighthouses are certainly isolated. Anyone looking at a world atlas. who are the Government department responsible for the upkeep of all of the maritime navigation aids in South Africa. The present MD of CHC Africa. Not surprisingly. The South African coast is long and potentially dangerous (witness the many shipwrecks dotted around it) but it is not broken up by many islands. Wherever you find lighthouses there is generally a requirement for Helicopter support.6 By Jay Gates Senior Operations Controller ONE OF THE MORE INTERESTING aspects of working for CHC Africa is the operational diversity that is required in this part of the world. Technicians or Support Staff out to the Lighthouse being serviced. and is home to one of the few Jackass Penguin colonies found along the African coast. On day one. excellent working relationship between CHC Africa and the NPA. Both Bird Island and Dassen Island have well marked helicopter landing areas and Roman Rock has a raised helicopter landing pad adjacent to the lighthouse making it an easy matter of moving people and material to and from the Lighthouse. The island is a declared nature reserve which maintains large populations of wild tortoises. food. . Roman Rock and Cape Point. rabbits. gulls and terns. seabirds including cormorants. The capabilities of the S-61N were not wasted and on the same mission. continues to endure down at the bottom of the African continent. The first three are located offshore and the last one has no road access leading to it. Dassen Island. to and from the island. tools and spares. empty. planned maintenance and regular resupply of provisions. water. Cape Point has no such luxury as it is located on a spine of rock at the tip of a long peninsula. rubbish. the aircraft was also used to undersling heavy equipment that the Longranger would not have been able to manage. namely a CHC Africa S-61N helicopter. Over a two day period. There are only four lighthouses that need continuous helicopter support by CHC Africa. Dassen Island is probably unique on this operation as the Lighthouse not only has a full time keeper on station. Recently. building and construction materials. ornaments and private possessions. More than half a dozen large. Having a keeper and his family to look after means the helicopter is often used on resupply days to take the whole family to the mainland to give them a few hours respite from isolated. the S-61N positioned in a full removals and packaging crew of a dozen men and in almost 50 sorties moved two complete households of furniture. the Longranger will position to the relevant shore base near the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Service has an ongoing flying schedule that is linked to a well managed programme of routine. including a fishing boat. On a normal schedule. From there it will lift up to five Engineers. stainless steel fuel tanks were carried back to the mainland for repair and refurbishment. They are Bird Island. on day two. Operations are normally planned out of CHC Africa’s Cape Town Docks base. The helicopter cabin was stripped of seats down one side to allow the carriage of delicate items in the safety of the aircraft and all other household items were underslung in the normal manner. In its own way CHC is playing its part in keeping the coast lit and the surrounding seas safe for all passing mariners. island life. It has also been used to take the children to and from boarding school. a form of school transport that few children can boast of to their friends. but he is accompanied by his family. The service is always backed up with one of the Sikorsky S-61N helicopters if the requirement is for ‘heavyweight’ support. It brings back to shore any empty fuel drums. the resident lighthouse keeper and his family had completed their two year tour on the island and were being replaced. which spans more than a quarter of a century. It will then usually run a freight shuttle service between the shore base and the Lighthouse underslinging fuel. They must have a lifestyle envied by many. This meant using one of the world’s more unusual furniture removals trucks. the outgoing keeper was moved out and. replaced machinery. the incoming keeper took up residence. waste and other unwanted equipment. The Lighthouse personnel have to walk from a car park along the spine to the lighthouse and the helicopter has to undertake precision cargo slinging at this location. and are generally carried out by one of the pair of Bell Longranger helicopters maintained for this purpose.7 onshore and are easy to access by suitable land vehicles. An unbroken. especially his wife Margaret and his children Paul. Richard loved his flying. Richard built a recording studio with state of the art recording equipment. This forced Richard to re-assess his career and he decided to get his fixed wing licence. This he duly achieved and his first fixed wing job was night flying a King Air around Europe out of Southend. In July 1997 he returned to Aberdeen as a Certifying Engineer. practiced his swing endlessly until it was as near perfect as possible he achieved a handicap of 12. Of course who got the job but Richard. it is perhaps for his powerful laugh that Colin will be remembered by those who knew him best.” There was quite a difference between tapping your route details into a computer and sitting back while the auto pilot did everything. CHC Scotia was the final company Richard worked for and I know he would have been so moved that so many of his friends and colleagues turned out for his funeral and the fly over was especially poignant. dream of escaping the harsh environment of the North Sea and long for the comfort of a warm cockpit and the delights of being served tea or coffee from an attractive Hostie! But as Richard found out. In January 1979 he was promoted to Lead Tradesman and subsequently to Shift Supervisor – Aberdeen in May 1981. Colin was taken to the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin following an accident at work on Monday. He sustained serious head injuries and subsequently died in hospital on Wednesday. This time we purchased a flat in Surrey and Richard commuted along the M25 to and from Heathrow. Philip and Lisa. but Richard eventually built up enough hours on the turbo-prop to allow him to apply for a First Officer position on the Boeing 737 based at Heathrow. astronomy and animals. was always willing to listen to other people’s point of view. and off we were again! The job lasted the summer and Richard’s duties were to fly guests of a rich American around the Med . so once Richard had built up sufficient hours. Many cats and kittens were rescued by Colin and subsequently found a good home as a result of his compassionate nature and love of cats. Many helicopter pilots. Our thoughts are with Colin’s family at this time. Fixed wing flying did not suit Richard’s character. some of his love for life and infectious enthusiasm has been instilled into me. I know. I was a ground hostess at the time and the new first officers were affectionately known as ‘puppies’. Richard contacted Bond Helicopters and was invited for an interview 2 days later and was subsequently offered a position on the S-76. a conversation with my parents highlighted the idea that there may possibly be work back in Aberdeen as the oil industry had picked up again. He eventually moved on to the Super Puma where he gained his Command and relished the extra responsibility.8 where he joined Shell Petroleum. His interests in life revolved around his family. Back in the UK. and if I am lucky. However his main love was his music! While we lived at Williamston near Colpy. and he really was the love of my life. Richard and many of his friends and colleagues were made redundant. 15 January 2003. In later years he developed a love for golf and being a typical Virgo. I believe he is still with me.island hopping. Poignantly. but he had many loves and interests outside of work. To his colleagues. he applied to British Midland and was taken on as a First Officer on the ATP (a brand new aircraft at the time) and we moved to Castle Donnington in the East Midlands. Colin joined British Airways Helicopters as a tradesman A&C in January 1978. and with a couple of close friends an album was produced – ‘Point of No Return’ – this album was played at his graveside. He partly financed his PPL by being a tennis coach at the Vanderbelt Club in London and played squash to county level. He got the job and we were on the move again. Due to the oil market crashing in the mid 80s. I shall be eternally grateful that I was lucky enough to spend 20 mad. I by that time had been flying as a Cabin Attendant for British Air Ferries and managed to transfer to their main base at Southend where we both worked for approximately a year. We were both happy again. Colin accepted a transfer to the Company’s Dublin base where he worked as a respected A&C Licenced Engineer until his recent death. Richard was unique. Obviously night flying was not the ideal. as opposed to having to land a helicopter on a rig with major cross winds and poor visibility – Richard missed the challenge! The decision was made that he would try and get back into helicopters. crazy wonderful years with him! Fiona McLay 1944 – 2003 IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS that we announce the recent death of our colleague Colin Embleton. Colin and his family went to Brunei in 1993 RICHARD AND I first met when he was a brand new first officer at Bristow Helicopters. me to be back in Scotland and Richard because he had got back into helicopters. There were lots of teething problems with the ATP . He worked tirelessly on his music. Richard chose to fly the S-61 and it was because of his experience on this aircraft that he later did a three-month stint in the Falklands after the war in 1982. Andrew. but he was also expected to help scrub the decks! 1958 – 2002 CHC Scotia . Colin was a kind and gentle man and although he didn’t necessarily agree with them. We were both unhappy with the situation at that time and Richard missed what he called “real flying. 13 January 2003. the grass is not always greener on the other side. Flight magazine advertised for someone to fly a Bell 47 off a yacht which was moored in Monte Carlo. He was not one for sitting in the bar down route talking about flying all night and regretted that so much of his time was spent night-stopping in different hotels. including the annual championships for handicapped sportsmen and women. As part of her rehabilitation training. as she found this to be the ideal exercise while there is no snow on the ground. “Thanks to the support of my employer and the co-operation of the Bergen Airport Administration. which left her paralysed from the hips down. “This activity suited me very well. Naturally she spends a lot of time in the mountains – both to train and to be with her fiancé while he instructs handicapped skiers at Beitostølen. and is training for the Paralympics. as well as for all the operating divisions of the CHC group. Conceived from the amalgamation of the non-core business activities of CHC Scotia – i.9 Hilde Ingvaldsen was selected to represent Norway at the World Championship Nordic cross-country sit-ski competition. and for the next Games.000 square meters for the Component Overhaul Workshops and 600 square meters for Technical Records. She had to stay at home while he made his Paralympics debut at the Nagano winter games in 1998. Five years after the accident. The couple are now engaged to be married. not far from the health sports centre at Beitostølen. actually did not take part in competitive sports until after her accident. Johan Petersen A QUIET AND SUCCESSFUL occasion took place during the summer of 2002 with the birth in Aberdeen of Astec UK. Fighting to free herself. she went to Beitostølen – a centre in the mountains offering winter sports opportunities for handicapped people under the auspices of the Norwegian Ski Federation. Astec UK Headquarters.” says Hilde. Norway. Hilde was paralysed in both legs and is a wheelchair user. providing the stores functions. My focus now is on the future and how to get ahead”. Aberdeen. the Kirkhill facility consisting of 1.090 square meters of hangar and office space with the ability to carry out two AS 332 G checks simultaneously. Hilde. Harald Guldahl. Mitchell Reid. She is a tough girl and fought her way back to the ski slopes. HILDE MERETE INGVALDSEN (33) is on extended leave from her job as a Traffic Clerk with CHC Helikopter Service in Bergen. Astec UK She is a socially active person – even more so than before her accident. my workstation in the helicopter terminal was adapted to my new situation. Third-party work is also part of our portfolio with the provision of component overhaul/repair capability and onsite inspections for UK and foreign operators involved in both onshore and offshore activities. She did not beat the ruling champion of Nordic cross-country sit-ski but is determined to do that some day. The new subsidiary is fully committed to providing support. Hilde told a journalist recently. One was the network of family and friends who supported her through a critical period in her life and helped her see the possibilities rather than the problems. Design and Administration. Astec UK holds JAR 145 approval granted by the CAA of Norway and complements the Base Maintenance/Overhaul and Repair capabilities of our parent in Stavanger. an outdoor person before her injury. breaking her back when the lift dragged her over a wall. Hilde’s life was turned upside down when the tee bar of a ski lift caught her jacket and carried her past the exit point. Base Maintenance and Scotia Overhaul Services along with the addition of Logistics/Technical Records and Design – Astec UK employs a total of 100 staff working from three locations within Aberdeen Airport. “There is nothing I can do about that anyway … it already happened. In addition to skiing. this strongwilled native of Bergen. Scotland: • On the East side of the Airport. General Manager. frequently on site. Hilde spends a lot of time with friends and is involved in the running of the building society where she lives. Hospitalised for nine months.” She does not reflect on the ski lift accident much. she says. to pursue her greatest ambition: representing Norway and winning medals in the next Winter Paralympics in Torino. Hilde Ingvaldsen competed with great success in Norwegian skiing competitions. the branch of Astec Helicopter Services AS of Stavanger. Hilde took up kayaking in the summer. • On the West side of the Airport at CHC Scotia Helicopters. Logistics. Hilde was dragged along. • On the West side. Italy.e. for CHC Scotia and its subsidiaries in Ireland and Denmark. who admits that skiing is not the only reason she kept coming back to Beitostølen. and an AS332 in for an overhaul. in the Industrial Estate. The other encouragement to Hilde was that CHC Helikopter Service left her no doubt that she would be able to return to work. Get ahead she definitely will. She is now on extended leave from CHC Helikopter Service. . Hilde identifies two main factors that helped her overcome her predicament. the Base Maintenance facility consisting of 2. she aims to be part of the Paralympics team. training determinedly to be on the Norwegian Paralympics team and to perform well in these games. She happened to hit it off with her ski instructor at the centre. Malabo: Rob Hurn. Bong Bolanos. CHC Corporate: Lisa (Executive Assistant) and Jim Pittman welcomed a baby girl. Avionics/HUMS manager. To Mike Harris (Pilot at Malabo E G) and his wife Nicola. Henry. Storeman. BIRTHS CHC Scotia: Congratulations to Paul (GSW/Traffic Officer. Brenda Sibbinda. Chief Operations Controller. on 15 Dec. Cork: Sean Murphy. GSW 2. Logistics Support) is chuffed with the arrival. 2002.10 WELCOME ABOARD CHC Scotia. 9 Sept. Anthony Smith. Sam Baker. Congratulations to Vanja Jacobsen on the birth of a son on 19 Dec. Ground Support Worker. Traffic Officer. GSE Controller. A big start to the new year for Chris Schrapel. Apprentice. 2002. Astec Helicopter Services: Congratulations to Frank Bjørnsen on the birth of a daughter on 2 July. Pilot. Pilot. Tyson (Touring Engineer) and Kym Brown are proud to announce the arrival of their daughter Mikayla Jade on 14 Oct. a brother to Ella. Congratulations also. Christopher M. Colin Brown. Ross Kuch. CHC International: Shahee Lakhani. Apprentice Helicopter Mechanic. Engineer. Jim Cornell. Kim Hatch. Adrian Lomas. Engineering Resources Co-ordinator. Management Safety Advisor. Engineer. Lee James. Harald Berg. Caretaker – Longside. CHC Africa. Sola. Semiskilled Worker. at 8lb 8oz. Magne Lundgren. Instructor. Andrew Pearce. 7lb 7oz. Aberdeen) to Amanda during Dec. for the birth of Louise. Bendigo Base) on the birth of their daughter Jemima Kathleen on 1 Oct. Leger Thibeault (Pilot – contract). Lucy Simpson. Jan-Tony Mellingen. Dany Guilloux. Congratulations to proud parents. Glenn Andre Stangeland. CHC Africa: To Caren (Engineer and Training Instructor. Ciaran Ferguson. Aberdeen: Susan Cordiner. Coleen Palethorpe (Business Development Co-ordinator). Harald Gimre. Pilot. Legal Advisor. Knut Ivar Lilleslåtten. Pilot. 9lb 13oz. Engineering Assistant. Expeditor Astec UK: Mitchell Reid. Engineer. Engineering Supervisor (Waterford). Thomas Amundsen. Paul Husband (Engineer. Aircrew. Inger Marie Monsen. Astec Helicopter Services: Sola: Eivind Ola Fredheim. Congratulations to Nicholas (Pilot. Stores Driver. Skilled Worker. North Denes: Laurence Nicholles. Laurence Nicholles. from Astec. Tom A.2002. Simon Hailey. 2002 at Kings College Chapel. Engineer.D. Bjorn Loberg. Expeditor. John Barclay. Matthew Watkin. Administration Assistant. Aberdeen) to Maureen on 10 Aug. Stewart Brown. Vidar Sømme. Captain. Engineer. on 14 Sept. Graham Conway. Steven Duthie. little brother to their daughter Emily. Executive Assistant. Cato Fuglestad. Administration Supervisor. Lisa Paddon. Apprentice Helicopter Mechanic. Toby Dobson (Pilot. Aircrew. born 3 Dec. Ole Kyrre Brænd. Pilot. CHC Helikopter Service: Lillian Hjorteland. Procurement Officer. CHC the son Joseph Australia. 2002 in Stavanger. Nightshift Supervisor. Shannon) to Oonagh on 13 July 2002. Sarah Margaret. Flight Operations Co-ordinator. Skilled Worker. Oranjemund: Tangeni Ndakalako. CHC Corporate: Blake Fizzard. System Engineer Avionics. Expeditor. Frances Watson. Andrew Adams. Nicola Cormack. Pilot. Senior Management Accountant. GSW 2 Nightshift. CHC International: Trevor Paterson and wife Helen had a baby boy named Caleb on 28 Oct. Skilled Worker. Mark Marooth (Programmer. Rod MacDonald. Congratulations to Ingse-Lill Olsen on the birth of a son on 12 Sept. 2002. 20. Elliott Wisely. Traffic Assistant. Certifying Technician. Uri Tabachnicov. Receptionist. People . Daniel Beedham. Michael Foreman. ENGAGEMENTS CHC Scotia: Ian Duthie (Accountant. 02. Tor-Arne Olsen. Lars Salvesen. Sola. Waterford: Brian Gowing. Aberdeen) to Fran on 24 Aug. Lasse Anfinsen. Rob Siegrist. Runung. Apprentice. Dublin: Derek Everitt. General Accountant. Pilot. Administration Assistant. Peter Davies. John Duffy. Engineer. Project Manager Base Maintenance. 2002 at Thainstone House. Trudy’s bump was renamed Amy. Senior Pilot (North Denes). Shaun Catlin (Logistics Manager) and Maretta (former Engineering Assistant) have made room for Deacon Geoffrey. Ground Support Worker. Bruce Drummond. Robin Stewart. Aircrew. Engineer. Svein Erik Monge. Sissel Døscher. Ken Skelly. Skilled Worker. Robert Smart. Skilled Worker. William Welsh. 2002. Shannon: Gary Bridgewater. Jay Gates. Dave Rolfe (Pilot. 22. Desktop Support Analyst. Phil Larsen. and Deacon Geoffrey Dec. Tech. Graeme Hood. Gerard Walsh. Applications Development Manager. Logistics Rep. Skilled Worker. Tinus van der Westhuizen. on 21 Jan. Apprentice. Brian Brophy. Captain. Kristian Eksveen. Robin Sumner (Apprentice Engineer). Sean Herron (Ramp. Deputy Traffic Supervisor. 2002. Justin Fogerty. Skilled Worker. Jack Darcy! Born 10. Ground Support Worker. Peter Downes. System Engineer. Anders Mæland. to Danny (Engineer. Jørund Eike Mjølhus. Liam Flynn. Humberside: Daniel Beedham. Jim McWilliam. 2002. 2002. Captain. CHC Helikopter Service: Belated congratulations to Sverre Sjastad on the birth of a daughter on 1 June 2002. Aberdeen) to Angela on 03 Aug. Kristian Jensen. Finnen. Engineering Management Admin Assistant. Senior Quality Engineer. Stephen Dinsley. PROMOTIONS/CHANGES CHC Scotia: Barry Cahill. 2002 in Kirriemuir. Suzanne Davies. Instructor. Wendy Mottram. GSW 2.10am. Gary MacDonald. Marit Kjendlie. Pedersen. born 2 Jan. Pilot. Engineer. Skilled Worker. Engineer. Susan and Darcy McAlpine had a baby girl. Blackpool) and Dawn Turnbull on the arrival of son. Expeditor. Engineer. Cape Town) and Carlo Kok (Chief Engineer at Cape Town Docks S-61 base) a daughter Carmen. CHC Australia: Craig Cain (EMS Aircrewman. Declan McGrath. Chris Singleton. Newcastle. Pilot. Traffic Clerk. Tom Cargill. Richard Blayney. Scott Milner (Pilot – contract). Apprentice. Apprentice. Grandpa Brown (Manager. Antarctica: Luveen Ranghunandan. Vidar Giljebrekke. Charmaine Palm. Congratulations to Tom Breisnes on the birth of a son on 15 Aug. Nightshift Supervisor. Bjørn Tore Kjærland. Olivia Grace Aug. Pilot. Engineering Resources Co-ordinator. Engineer. 2002. Elisa Brosseau (Customs Performa Admin). Certifying Technician. Michael Tompkins (Pilot. Bergen (re-employed). Engineer. 3. Erik Feldfoss. Ethan. System Support Analyst. James Brady. Angie Gray. Structure. Arve Haustavik Jakobsson. Cape Town: Nomawetu Mlonzi. Aircrew. transfer to Shannon. Donna Osmond. John Howie. General Manager. Denmark: Steen Bertelsen. Finbarr Stack. Kelly Chohan (Stores Rotable Repair). Assistant Terminal Manager. Desktop Support Analyst. Skilled Worker. Apprentice. Amber McKean. Executive Assistant. Mike Harris. 02 MARRIAGES. North Denes) and Kirsty. Tim Lea (Pilot. Even Knutsen. Aberdeen) to Helen in Oct. Maj Brit Fjermestad. Gillian Broadbent. Sam Brown. on 28 Oct. Engineer. Congratulations to Stig Sebulonsen on the birth of a son on 1 Oct. Ralph Buck (Pilot – contract). Paula Kieley. on 12 Dec. Emma Griffiths. 2002. Executive Assistant. Apprentice. Apprentice. Pilot. GSW 1. Engineer.. Employee Relations Manager. Congratulations to you all and we wish you all the best for the future! CHC Corporate: Frances McDonald (Accountant) CHC HS Pilot Rolf Krey and his Veslemøy married Gord Noseworthy tied the knot Sept. Congratulations to Sian and Matt Smith (Aircrewman. Luanda: Bob Raymond. and to Claus Tjalve on the birth of his daughter on 27 June 2002. Engineer. Tech. Pilot. a sister to Carla. Silje Kristensen. Bendigo Base) is the proud father of a boy. Skilled Worker. Aberdeen) and wife Jane are to be congratulated on the birth of Proud father Shaun Catlin. Skilled Worker. VP M&E. 2003. Skilled Worker. from Astec. Aberdeen) and Anne Porter on the birth of Olivia Louise McKenzie on 31 Aug. Frode Bergflodt. GSW 2. West Africa: Jeff Gibson. Coralee Hewlett. Pilot. David SheltonSmith. Humberside) and Kathleen Flaherty on the birth of their son. Certifying Technician. Grant Lawrence. on 6 Nov. Congratulations to Solveig and Morten Johannessen on the birth of a daughter on 17 July. Blackpool: Lee Findley. Chief Pilot (Dublin). 2002 in Blythe. Aircrew. Lee Drewery. a son Liam. Johan K. Apprentice. Declan McEnery. Ground Support Worker. Pilot. Apprentice Helicopter Mechanic. Pilot. Director of Tax. Relling. Arne Georg Sviland. Admin Assistant. Anders Nonstad. 25 Years: Clive Bartmann. Abdul Goliath. CHC HS long-service award recipients 10 Years: Mike Irvine. Pal Ulsteen. Composites. Inge Finnesand. Ramp. Angie Rennie. rescue pilot at Adelaide Kleivan. 15 Years: Sandra Duncan (Purchasing). Squires. Tim Putland. 10 Years: Frode M. Ove Lindal. Sverre Sjastad. Captain. Alf Watne. Senior Technician. in support of the SA State Rescue and Ambulance Rune Lyssand. Utne. 30 Years: Alv T. Kristian B. Arne Risan. Bjorn Finnseth. Astec Helicopter Services: Sola: Tor Hoff. Neil 15 Years: Brian Clegg. Supervisor Avionics (acting). Erling Molaug. Captain. Duncan Morrison. Pilot. Wanda Pilot. Ole E. commenced 10 Dec. Jann K. Mike Lycett. Rolf A. Pilot. Ulla Aretorn. Fincham. Kvanvig. joined the team in Aug. 30 years. Co-Managers. Jan Moe. with CHC “Eddy”. Ragnar Folven. Planning Engineer. Trygve Mauritzen. Knut Frigstad. Gustav Services. Ellen Asbjornsen. Ingar Jensen. Thorstein Sjursen. 10 Years: Mario Barrogona. Bell 214ST Maintenance Team Leader. Jan Storlid. 25 Years: Emile Lupien. Mygland. Longside. Admin. Rordam. DEPARTURES Bowitz. where CHC operate Jensen. Pilot. Flight Training Manager. Jim Cruickshank. Birgitte Bråthen. Cato Myrland. Ulf Selset. Elizabeth II. Svein Additionally. Ingemar Rossberger. 25 Years: Ron Chief Engineer. Severeid. Per Solberg. Marc Savard. Richard Sutton (Pilot. Phil McCully. Mette Haarvik. after 3 years service. Rolf Horne. Per K. Captain. Milander. Morch. Ian Wall (Pilot. Aberdeen) on 30 Nov. Anders Nonstad. Bjorn Congratulations on a successful ten years Emilsson. Erik Brenden. Grant’s most memorable mission: Myklebostad. 20 Years: Malcolm Peter Boston. Mathias Rekve. Svein Vennestrom. Astec UK: George “Andy” Anderson. Gjerstad. David David. Terje Thorrud. 1992. Captain (ret’d) to CRM Instructor. Colin Hobbs. Holan. Astec UK: 35 Years: Bill MacConnell (Stores Base Maintenance. Karl O. Lian. Bjarte Lyssand. Ragnar Folven. Stuart Lynn. Sola. Tommie Visagie. Royneberg. Peter J. Kurt Kristensen. Gro Helland.11 CHC Helikopter Service: Gunleik Kleivan. 1992 as Bjornenak. 2002. Arild Larsen. Ingvar Kristiansen. Arve Bjoro. Henning Solberg. Shannon: Mike Shaw. Operations Officer. Malcom Calder (Purchasing). after 22 years service. Moretn Berg. Coenraadde Records). Jostein Horvei. Arne Hovland. Helge Nilsen. Special Projects. CHC Helikopter Service: Dudley Lowe. CHC Africa: Flight Operations Manager. Len Crocker. Kjell Magne Solli. Age O. Ruth Nielsen. Berg. Bergen. Svein Odegaard. Technician. Pilot. sole engineer in Jan Skarpaas. 2002. Stephen Phillips. at Latrobe Valley in Victoria. Per A. Bjorn Normann. Mossik. Kjessel. Arild support of the Bell 412. Jan A. 30 Years: Dennis Baker. Stephen Laidler. 20 Years: Graham Brown. Knut Hustad.. Leon Carstens. RETIRED CHC Scotia: Dave Farenden (Pilot. Alan Veale. John Odland. Aberdeen) on 27 Jan. Fiona Hurley. Jason Reed. 20 Years: Alison Fraser (Technical Engineer. CHC Australia: Jennie McBeath. Base Haupt. S61N pilots now based at Bodo: Arild Kleiven. Arne Harald Andersen. Kjell Kvitvaer. Jacob Chr. where CHC operate a Bell 412 and a 206 Ragnar Landet. Signe M. Engineer. Sales and Marketing Assistant. . CHC Corporate: Jonathan Jennings and Dean Churchill. Stevie Campbell. Mark Perry. Geir Grimsrud. Captain. Captain (to Astec as a Test Pilot). Jeff Rogers. Maintenance). Grethe Birkeland. Jakob Bae. Christine Baird. Kjell Sandvik. 10 Years: Alexander Barnett. Captain. Geir Johansson. Ralph Arnesen. Pilots assigned to new AS 332L/L1 AWSAR duty on Oseberg: Lars Kr. Amund R. Jacobus Nel. Torgeir Thorsen. Ramp. Gunleik Kleivan. Ola Henning Dahl. CHC base in Canberra. Svein Olav Solbjorg. Cheryl Pedersen. Captain (to Astec as Test Pilot). John Pocock. Flight Ops Steven Lightbourne. after 5 years. Captain. Steinar Wilkinson. Stewart Hunter (Reliability Engineer. Rolf Brun. Captain. Astec UK: Ronald Smithbone. Captain. Design Manager. Bjerkeseth. Management Accountant. Pilot. John Hulan. heights of Senior Aircrewman (King of Crewman). Bjørn Oulie. Svein Erik Haug. Aberdeen. Sverre Overgard. AWARDS CHC International: CHC Scotia: 30 Years: Alain Verdes. Arnfred Hansen.5 years. Kristiansund. CHC Australia: 25 Years: Thorbjorn Amundsen. 15 Years: Healey. Base CHC Africa. Crew Managemer. Miyazaki. Senior Mark Pellow. Astec Helicopter Services: 30 Years: Hadle Dahle. Knut Hegle. David “Fast Eddy” 20 Years: Bjorn Andersen. Mick Fraser. 25 Years: Cliff Saville (Stores. Arne Hegreberg. Controller). Reidar Fossen. Bergmann. Ole Kristian Smerud. Jan Mossik. Finn H. Paul Fyfe. Odd Haereid. CHC Corporate: Clayton Parsons. Grant Lewis. Thor Soreide. after 26 years service. he fills the role of Base Manager Hjortland.. 10 Years: 15 Years: Lesley Jones. Co-pilot. Kåre Jan Bru. Pilot. Overhus. 37. Vidar Saele. Captain. Kjell Paulseth. Morten Rimbereid. Marit Edwards. Ops Desk Controller. CHC International: Brian Small. Bill Crowe. Astec Helicopter Services: Sola: Terje Solesvik. Senior Purchaser. Cape Town: Derrick Ellerbeck. Oddvar Larsen. Chief Pilot. Keane. base. Captain (ret’d) to Simulator Instructor. Kjell Gilje. Målfrid Klovning. David Ryall. Bjorke. Odd H. Oranjemund: Cornelius Mark Ritchie (Senior Technician. Engineering Support Manager. medical retrieval from the deck of the Queen Bjorn Oulie. Pilot. 40 Years: Sigurd Mellegard. Nurse. Martin. Alexander JJ Szafranek. Oystein Johansen. Humberside) on 11 Oct. Project Co-ordinator. Bjorn Moe. Mette Rosenlund. Kjell Paulseth. Alf Wathne. Blackpool) on 28 Nov. Engineer. Harry Andersen. Per O. North Denes: Ian Taverner. Manager Global Store/Forwarding. Arne Haug. Sven Wetteland. 2002. Technician. Valter Rorheim. operating at the Vorkinn. Barstad. Brian Small. Geir Henning Hansen. Kristiansen. Maintenance). Astec Helicopter Services employees celebrating 25 and 30 years with the Company Astec’s 20-year brigade. Erik Foyn. Good Luck in the future! CHC Helikopter Service: Svein Ødegaard. Walter Ramsey. Tore Bristol. Per A. Helge Nilsen. Oyvind Hestad. Theo Sept. Svein Erik Lorentzen. Oddvar Eide. an aircrewman and has now risen to the lofty Dieter Fischer. 25 Years: Ole G. Myklatun. Pilot. Dave Clare. Brian Flight Operations Manager. Astec UK: Barry Davidson. Sviland. Operations Supervisor. Special Projects Manager. Arild a Bell 412EP. Magnus Horve. Philip Walters. Harald Iversen. Jan O. Dick Hilland. 10 Years: Terry Inge Antonsen. Frank Bjørnsen. Frode Bergflødt. Oyvind R. Frode Karlsen. Lindheim. Patrick Bainbridge. Erling Molaug. Bjellanes. Inge Hovland. Navigation Adviser. Tor Baustad. after 27 years service. 10 Years: Stuart Todd (Purchasing Manager). Tore Bristol. Brian Suter. Pilot. Alec Calder. Pilot. Jack Jaworski. 2003. com Corporate Office Chris Flanagan Director of Communications 1-709-570-0749 cflanagan@stjohns. technical records and flight ops.com Graham Bowles Onshore Sales & Marketing Manager 61 8 8372 7702 gbowles@chcaustralia. The whole trip was a fantastic educational experience. includes classroom time and workshop training. returning to the company fold with a wealth of inside knowledge and cross-industry experience available nowhere else. St.chc. We welcome submissions. He shares some of those experiences with Rotortales. maths and engineering science. By David Barron LAE David Barron July 1999: back south to AST in Perth for final three-month academic term before sitting the school final and basic licence exam. I was allowed to spend three weeks at the Manchester regional office following the local surveyors as they conducted aircraft inspections. Newfoundland A1C 5V5. hydraulic workshop. Husebø Executive Assistant 47 51 94 18 16 ehusebo@chcastec. Michael Gill.12 Early 1997: CHC Scotia embarks on venture to select apprentices for LAE program. audits and airworthiness renewals. The remainder of the course was spent at CAA headquarters at Gatwick and at the Manchester Regional Office. Autumn 1997: CHC Scotia tests approximately 100 applicants in English. CHC Scotia’s David Barron was selected. June 1998: Back to Aberdeen. Recently an opportunity to put some of that experience to use came about.O. Day and evening lectures covered every aspect of the industry from certification of equipment. 2000: Company puts LAEs in positions either in base maintenance or on the line where they could put licences to use. Classroom studies continue.com CHC Composites Valerie Dwyer Executive Assistant 1-709-651-5711 vdwyer@chccomposites. aircraft away from base on short contracts in exotic locations such as Sumburagh and Inverness. “I definitely enjoy that. CHC Scotia put forward candidates for the prestigious UK CAA Scholarship for Apprentices. Johns. Chris Flanagan by telephone at 709-570-0749. workshops. Academic studies maintained as licence orals loom. Michael Gill.ca . components. CHC Scotia Karen MacConnell Executive Assistant 44-1-224-846002 kmacconnell@scotia-chc. St. In mid-2001. wheel or bay blade bay. That was then: Apprentice Engineer candidates pose with thenEngineering Manager Neil Calvert in 1997. Debbie Buchan. John’s Airport. P . David completed the scholarship between October 2002 and January 2003.ccl@cclgroup. candidates will wait to become old enough to sit the exam.” David says. For questions. above. “It’s a great challenge to really take responsibility for the operational side as well. Some even dispatched to help company through the aerial madness at the British Grand Prix at Sliverstone. comments or concerns please contact: CHC Helicopter Corporation’s Director of Communications. September 1997: Apprentice students introduced to the Engineering Manager Neil Calvert.chc.ca Eidi T. Box 5188. apprentices split up to rotate through base maintenance. Mid September 1997: Course begins with intensive nine-month stint at AST in Perth. In all cases the staff and surveyors were very open about there jobs. including David Barron. and David Barron. helping support the airworthiness of the company fleet and advance the maintenance systems. Tomas Marsh.com Rotortales is a publication of CHC Helicopter Corporation. Andrew Melvin. some assist more experienced engineers on heavy lifting operations. Deborah Buchan. After a rigorous interview process. becoming the first winner from the UK Offshore Helicopter Industry. Ross McKenzie. CAA audit techniques were explained and put into practice in various departments when out visiting industry.chcafrica. story ideas and letters. or by email at cflanagan@stjohns. usually in great depth. 709-739-9995 or msmith. and this is now (L-R) Andrew Melvin. the first three weeks were spent on the UK CAA’s 52nd airworthiness course in Brighton. For more information on the company. Each British Civil Airworthiness Requirement (BCAR) and JAR was covered. In essence I was given a similar program to that of a newly recruited surveyor though slightly cut down and less intense. nine candidates make the final cut. CHC Scotia was looking to expand its Technical Support Department and I was fortunate enough to gain a place on the team.ca CHC Helicopters CHC Helicopters CHC Helikopter (Africa) (Australia) Service Cheryl Pedersen Commercial Executive +27 (0) 21 934 8628 cheryl@cti. only when it was concerned with industry or trade secrets. June 2002: LAE David Barron goes on his first mission for recovery of aircraft on a platform.chc.ca.com Johan Petersen Communications Manager 47 51 94 1820 jpeterse@chchs. or forward correspondence to Hangar No.com CHC Helicopters Astec Helicopter International Services Coralee Hewlett Executive Assistant 1-604-232-7353 chewlett@intl. April 2001: apprentices pass basic licence exams. who are still with the company.” THE FOUR MONTHS of the CAA Scholarship Scheme were packed full. and became the company’s youngest LAEs.chc. a chip warning. very little information was restricted and even then. I was able to see the CAA from the inside and formed working relations within the Safety Regulation Group.ca. and engines to flighttesting of pre-production aircraft. I am looking forward to taking on this new and varied position and the new challenges it will bring. Rotortales is designed and produced by CCL Milestone. 1. Ross McKenzie. October 1999: released back to the company to earn their keep. which was attended by representatives of 15 different nations. visit the CHC website at www.