What To Expect
OK, so you've accepted a job offer and your head is
swimming with thoughts of what to expect.
Reporting For Duty
Your new employer will give you the name of the
heliport that you will be flying from and directions to get there.
You should arrive at the heliport lounge at least twenty minutes
early, especially the first time. Look for information on the flight
to your rig, departure times and delay information will usually be
displayed on several TV screens. If you have any difficulties
identifying the information you need from the screen then ask a
member of staff.
When you know exactly what is happening you can relax until
your flight is called, using the name of the rig. There will be a
café with hot snacks and drinks, also papers and magazines.
Your flying time could be as much as three hours depending on
which rig you are going to, so a visit to the toilet before you go
would be a shrewd move.
You will be called to check-in your baggage some time before
you actually proceed through to the departure lounge. When your
flight is called to depart there is no time to waste. You are only
allowed to carry reading material into the helicopter.
A security guard will search you for a number of things
including weapons, matches and lighters. Any such items found on
your possession at that point will be confiscated. They will not let
you board the helicopter if they believe you are under the influence
of alcohol or drugs. You will then be given a survival suit and
maybe also a thermal undergarment and be instructed on which TV
lounge you will be sitting in for the helicopter emergency
procedures video. After putting on your survival suit and lifejacket
you should use the earplugs provided.
When everything is ready you will be led outside and into the
helicopter passenger doors. You will then don the ear protectors and
fasten your safety belt. When everyone is in, settled and the doors
are closed, the pilot will give you flight information, which you
should be able to hear despite having earplugs and ear defenders on.
On arrival at the rig you will be instructed on what to do.
The rig heli-deck crew will open the doors and guide everyone out.
Leave your ear defenders on the seat (unless instructed otherwise)
and follow instructions on which way to go from the heli-deck. It is
not necessary to memorize the above as you will be given
instructions by appropriate personnel at heliport and on the rig.
Also you will be able to follow what everyone else is doing, there
may be over twenty others getting into the helicopter with you. |