Industry and Technology Bristow: Charting the Skies for over Seven Decades By Stephen Everage, Chief Pilot & Director of Training
B
ristow may not be a name widely known outside of the industry, but within the world of vertical aviation, it is celebrated for its pioneering spirit, innovation and excellence. Established in 1948 in the Alaskan tundra, Bristow has become globally synonymous with reliability and excellence in Offshore Energy Services, Government Services – particularly Search and Rescue (SAR), and the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Sector. Bristow’s aviation services include personnel transportation, search and rescue, medevac, fixed-wing transportation, uncrewed air systems, and ad hoc helicopter services. It has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the U.K., and the U.S. The company maintains a global fleet of approximately 220 helicopters, each equipped with the latest technology to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability in some of the most challenging environments on Earth. For those in the Navy considering a transition to a civilian career, Bristow presents an ideal pathway. Not only does the company employ many veterans, but it offers an environment where the skills developed in the Navy can be meaningfully utilized, ensuring individuals are able to make a dynamic and impactful contribution. “Bristow offers a unique opportunity to continue a life of service and challenge,” said Steve Everage, Bristow’s Chief Pilot, Director of Training and Naval Academy Graduate. “Whether in SAR, offshore energy, maintenance, or even the emerging field of AAM, Bristow provides a platform where military skills and experiences are not only relevant but highly valued. I encourage anyone interested to check us out.” Bristow’s backbone: Offshore Energy Services Offshore Energy Services has been a vital segment of the business for decades. Bristow's helicopters are not just modes of transport; they are vital connectors bridging offshore platforms with the mainland. These operations are crucial for the smooth functioning of the energy sector, transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to remote offshore locations. Bristow’s largest operation is on the U.S. Gulf Coast, serving numerous customers from its busiest bases in Houma and Lake Charles, Louisiana, 365 days a year. Bristow also has smaller operations in Louisiana as well as Texas and Alabama. The company employs pilots, aviation maintenance technicians, customer service representatives, and various operational experts at its bases, while back-office support functions are located primarily out of corporate headquarters in Houston. Rotor Review #163 Winter '24
Gulf of Mexico S-92 SAR Hoist
At its base in Galliano, Louisiana, Bristow has SAR pilots as well as technical crewmember experts such as hoist operators and rescue specialists, whose primary function is to support the company’s energy customers for offshore medical emergencies and evacuations. Bristow uses different helicopters depending on distance and mission. The S-92 is a heavy model capable of carrying up to 19 passengers to the most remote offshore platforms. Complementing the S-92, Bristow also operates a fleet of Leonardo Helicopters' AW189 and AW139 models. These super-medium and medium twins, along with the Airbus EC135 light twin (for utility line patrol over land in places like Arkansas), are versatile for various roles. A Lifeline in the Skies: Search and Rescue Operations Bristow’s fastest growing sector is in Government Services, and Bristow’s SAR Operations comprise the largest segment of Government Services. Since its first SAR mission in the U.K. in 1971, Bristow has been a frontrunner, conducting well over 100,000 SAR flight hours and countless rescues with a fleet of technologically advanced helicopters equipped with SAR Automatic Flight Control Systems, Advanced Search Radar, Night Vision Imaging Systems, and more. These missions, often conducted under extreme conditions, underscore Bristow's dedication to saving lives and providing aid wherever and whenever needed. 48
