Commenting on the decision by Shell to withdraw from a contract with Bond helicopters following three  incidents in three years, Jim McAuslan, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association, said:

‘People are used to contracts changing; it is part of commercial life in the North Sea. What is of concern in this instance is that the reason seems to be safety related. The irony in this development is that it has been the oil companies who have brought in new helicopter operators to try and create a competitive market. But price is not everything and they will reap what they sow.’

‘All passengers and all pilots look to the UK Regulator to provide a uniform high level of safety. The award of contracts should not involve commercial decision-makers in having to weigh up the relative safety merits of competing operators. It is down to the UK Civil Aviation Authority to ensure a level playing field in this respect. They should be able to reassure pilots, passengers and operators that any helicopter of any nation operating anywhere in the North Sea is safe.’

Jim McAuslan said ‘BALPA is not recognised inside Bond Helicopters. ‘This is a pity as an independent professional association can provide an important check and balance.  It is therefore difficult for us to comment on the mood and attitude of the pilots or the way in which the company is responding to these various incidents. But I am sure pilot morale will be down as they will be worried for their jobs.’

Jim McAuslan concluded: ‘But pilots’ biggest concern, and one which is growing across the North Sea pilot community, is the reliability of new technologies. The outstanding airmanship recently shown in the North Sea when there was mechanical failure is not something any pilot wants to be called upon to execute regularly.’