Awan Inspirasi helicopter hangar is located
approximately 500m away from Miri international airport. Their main operation
is to provide transportation of passengers and workers to support offshore oil
and gas exploration and development rigs. Presently, their main destinations
covers offshore installations and rigs of Sabah and Sarawak waters for
PETRONAS, Shell as well as other oil and gas majors.
Young Engineer Section (YES) of Miri had
organized a field visit to their helicopter hangar on the 2nd
November 2012. The main objective of the visit is to understand how helicopter
operation and maintenance works, and also learn the management of the aviation
industry. There are 23 participants in total, consist of IEM, YES and engineers
from all industries. All participants were awarded with 3 CPD hours upon
completion of the field visit.
We assembled at the general aviation parking
lot at 1350hours. After registration at the security guardhouse, participants
were guided to the briefing room at Awan Inspirasi hanger. There, we were
greeted by the Shirley Arrifin (picture forth from left). She and her fellow
colleagues briefed us on the history, current operations and company goals. All
participants were given a tour around the facility which covers the simulation
room, operation room, and the control room. Some of the participants had the
opportunity to take a spin with the simulator to feel the 5-minute joy of being
a helicopter pilot. Participants also had a close glimpse on the helicopters
EC225 and S76 parked in the hanger and also the maintenance work that are
ongoing at that moment.
After some Q&A session, the visit concluded
with a group photo and exchange of souvenir with Shirley Arrifin and Capt.
Thanom (picture ninth from right) who had been our tour guide throughout the
whole afternoon.
Reported
by, Engr. Francis Wong
