LIVING THE DREAM-HEADING OFFSHORE

I dearly miss the mountains of the Western Cape, but I'm soon reminded that my "office" offers one of the best views, regardless of where I happen to be located on this planet. Today is no different, as ocean, clouds, and sunrise all conspire to produce a breathtaking vista while we settle down in the rhythmic gallop of the big Sikorsky.

- JANNIE MATTHYSEN

WITH THE cruise checklist completed, we have a few tasks to accomplish before we land in another hour and twenty minutes.

We take our leisurely time to monitor ATC and company operations frequencies, calculate fuel and ETA, and consult various iPad applications to predict the S92's landing performance. We accomplished this before departure, but it will have to be reviewed again based upon actual weather conditions.

The further we travel to our offshore destination, the clearer the skies become, so we know that an IFR approach is not required this morning. We confirm this notion once we have actual weather data from the offshore platform.

Each offshore platform or vessel requires a radio call from the helicopter crew 20 minutes before landing. They use this time to inspect the helideck, ensure that all safety precautions are in place, prepare for refuelling, brief and prepare passengers and baggage for the return flight, and ensure that safety crews are ready for our arrival.

Typically, there are around 3 to 8 dedicated crew supporting the HLO (Helicopter Landing Officer) during the time the helicopter spends on the helideck.