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A new year, a new U.S. President, and many uncertainties. One certainty, however, is the continuing demand

for energy by the industrial and develop-ing nations. This growing need is the driving force for new technologies in order to find and tap into petroleum reserves.

As Frank’s Casing Crew celebrates its 70th anniversary (page 12), we look forward to

playing a vigorous role in helping to develop the tools and services neces-sary to exploit this potential.

In Nigeria, Frank’s International’s participation is helping to develop that country’s largest deepwater project, Agbami Field (page 8). This is an exten-sive project in 6,500 feet of water and the goal is to successfully run 18 batch-set completions safely and efficiently. Most are “Smart Well” comple-tions in that each well can target more than one zone. With these challenges in mind, and Frank’s experience with our automated running equipment, Chevron chose Frank’s International to get the task accomplished.

Our Antelope Oil Tools has partnered with Baker on a new Close- Tolerance Expandable Centralizer (CTEC™) with its expandable pipe operations. While expandable pipe is not new, this centralizer will broaden applications for this technology (page 10).

Finally, I wish to express my gratitude for those who have so graciously kept us in their prayers and thoughts during our time of family loss.

Regards,

Keith MosingChairman and Chief Executive Officer,Frank’s International, Inc.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Frank’s International, Inc. 10260 Westheimer, Ste. 700

Houston, TX 77042 Phone: (281) 966-7300

Fax: (281) 558-0568

Frank’s International Direct features the capabilities and services of Frank’s Interna-tional, Inc.’s companies while emphasizing its uncompromising commitment to safety and excellence. Directed to domestic and interna-tional drilling contractors, integrated service companies, and oil-company drilling depart-ments, this magazine seeks to distinguish Frank’s International throughout the world-wide energy service industry.

Frank’s International Direct is published by Oser-Bentley Custom Publishers, LLC, a division of Oser Communications Group, Inc., 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715. Phone (972) 687-9035 or (520) 721-1300, fax (520) 721-6300, www.oser.com. Oser-Bentley Custom Publishers, LLC specializes in creating and publishing custom magazines. Inquiries: Tina Bentley, tina@oser-bentley.com. Editorial comments and corrections: Karrie Welborn, karrie_w@oser.com. Please call or fax for a new subscription, change of address, or single copy. This publication may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of Oser-Bentley Custom Publishers, LLC. To advertise in an upcoming issue of this publication, please contact us at (972) 687-9035 or (520) 721-1300 or visit us on the Web at www.oser-bentley.com. April 2009

Volume 4 • Issue 13

Welcome to Frank’s International Direct

On the cover:Frank’s International plays a vital role in the development of Nigeria’s largest deepwater project

Frank’s Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc. and Frank’s International, Inc. both find their roots in the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of Mr. Frank Mosing. While each is a separate and independent company, the two organizations cooperate (formally and informally) to meet the challenges of a worldwide oil industry.

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The New CTEC

News from the Continents

Frank’s InternationalDirectory

Subcontractorand VendorDirectory

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Frank’s International Celebrates Grand Opening of Frank’s International Brasil Ltda (FIB)

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Frank’s International Playing a Vital RoleDevelopment of Nigeria’s Largest Deepwater Project

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Panning for Gold A Modern Recreation

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The Icarus FactorWingsuit Flying

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1. Front elevation FIB’s new office/shop. 2. Glenn Kelly, Dr. Falcâo and Keith Mosing.3. A genuine Brazilian Churrasco.4. FIB’s 15,000 sq. ft. shop.5. The new 60 ft. training rig in Macae.

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The grand opening of Frank’s International Brasil Ltda (FIB) was celebrated on

January 22, 2009 with a genuine Brazilian Churrasco a distinctly South American style rotisserie. Churrasco owes its origin to the Brazilian gauchos (traditionally from the Pampa region) who roasted their meats over an open fire.

FIB’s new 15,000 sq. ft. shop was transformed into a formal dining area with spectacular floral arrange-ments on each table. Special guests included Keith Mosing (FI Chairman & CEO), his wife Alice Mosing, Dr. Falcâo (Retired Director of Petrobras) and Glenn Kelly (VP Brazil). Other dignitaries in attendance were local government officials, customers, ven-dors, and FIB employees.

The new operation base is a first class structure and will provide excellent support for current contracts with Petrobras, Chevron, Repsol, Exxon/Mobil, El Paso and OGX. There is a state-of-the-art equipment booth and a high pressure wash booth.

Both have been designed to stream-line equipment handling. The new facilities offer employees a quality work place where all HSE require-ments have been met. Some amenities include a training room (50 person capacity), an employee kitchen and breakroom, spacious offices, land-scaping, and paved roads. Customers have commented on the excellent

design and construction of the new facility in Macae.

FIB’s new 60 ft. training derrick was unveiled during the grand opening. The training rig will be used to train crews, qualify new technicians and test equipment/procedures for the Brazilian market. It is also available for custom-ers to test new tools and equipment.

Frank’s Celebrates

Grand Opening of Frank’s International Brasil Ltda

New Office/Shop

Some amenities include a training room, an employee kitchen and breakroom, spacious

offices, landscaping, and paved roads.

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Frank’s International is employ-ing time-tested equipment and practices, as well as cutting-

edge new technology, to help develop Nigeria’s Agbami Field.

Situated 70 nautical miles off Nigeria’s Niger Delta, this field will ultimately consist of 36 sub-sea wells in water depths up to 6,500 feet. First production was achieved last July from a floating production, storage and off-loading (FPSO) vessel. Ini-tially, more than 100,000 barrels per day were anticipated. This is expected to increase to 250,000 barrels of crude oil and natural gas liquids per day by the end of 2009. Chevron is the operator and has a 68.2 percent interest under the unit agreement.

The goal of the project is to successfully run 18 batch-set completions safely, efficiently, and then use the lessons learned for subsequent wells. Most are “Smart Well” completions in that each well can target more than one zone.

Frank’s InternationalPlaying a Vital RoleDevelopment of Nigeria’s Largest Deepwater Project

With these challenges in mind, Chevron chose Frank’s International to get the task accomplished.

Automated Tubular Handling

Frank’s International’s solution was the RTS or Rail Tong System complete with Fluid Grip™ tech-nology. The Rail Tong System is an automated system that minimizes personnel exposure to the everyday common hazards experienced while running tubulars. This equipment is remotely operated from a distance to add additional safety. The RTS is equipped with a slippage sensor that will automatically shut down opera-tions in the event the tong jaws or fluid grip slips during the connection process to prevent damage.

The fact that the project would require running stands of four joints per stand, prompted Frank’s International’s to supply the 5-ton Backpacker™ to ensure a safe

and efficient way to make up the stands without damaging the pre-mium threads connections. Chevron wanted to eliminate the hazard of having men working at heights. Frank’s International’s answer was the Stab-Rite™ system, CTSJHPE’s (Clamp Type Single Joint Horse-shoe™ Pick-up Elevators) and automated elevators complete with pipe end sensor for this project. The clamp type single joint elevator is a revolutionary idea to eliminate the concept of having a man in the derrick while tubing operations are underway. This elevator plays a key role in both the running and pull-ing process. While latching stands of tubulars from the pipe racking system at a height of 120 ft. with a compensated system without a man in the derrick, is a relatively new concept. Frank’s engineering designed the Clamp Type Single Joint Horseshoe™ Pick-up Elevators to safely and successfully turn the concept into reality.

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Frank’s International recognized as a pro-active contractor

Frank’s believes that to stay on top you have to continuously improve and innovate. A case in point: In August 2008, Transocean’s Sedco Energy underwent maintenance in Equatorial Guinea. All of Frank’s

1. FI crew backing-out a stand while pulling the landing string with FRANK’S RTS Remote Tong System. 2. FI crew pulling back (to rack) a 4-joint stand using FRANK’S RS-350 and FRANK’S Control Line Pusher Arm. 3. FI crew assisting Expro in removal of umbilical clamps. 4. Frank’s Operators manipulating the Clamp Type Single Joint Horseshoe Pick-up Elevator. 5. Frank’s Fluid grip equipped Rail Tong System in Action. 6. Frank’s Crews positive and pro-active attitude is the key to success. 7. Transocean’s Rig Sedco Energy on Nigeria’s Agbami Field.

International’s Equipment was sent into Frank’s Port Harcourt facility for routine maintenance and inspection. During this time, Frank’s Interna-tional personnel worked closely with Frank’s engineering and revisited operational issues experienced over the first 18 months of the project. All operational issues experienced

were discussed. Improvements and modifications to the equipment were carried out. A presentation was given to Chevron Nigeria to inform the customer of the changes made while the equipment was being serviced. Since the presentation, Chevron has recognized Frank’s as their most pro-active contractor on the project.

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Antelope and Baker Oil Tools Team Up with the New CTEC… Close-Tolerance Expandable Centralizer

“It’s the first of its kind,” says Jean Buytaert, talking about the new Close-

Tolerance Expandable Centralizer (CTEC™) that broadens capabilities for expandable pipe applications. Jean is Vice President for Antelope Oil Tool & Manufacturing Company and is also in charge of new product development.

Baker Oil Tools approached Ante-lope to develop a centralizer that could be compatible with tubu-lar expansion and close tolerance applications. “We thought Antelope could certainly propose a viable solution to the problem,” said Mark Adam, Engineering Manager- Expandable Systems, Baker Oil Tools. The two companies worked together to jointly develop the new CTEC™. Baker now markets the CTEC™ and Antelope manufactures it. The CTEC™ is presently available for 8-inch OD expandable pipe with an 8½ inch restriction pass-through. Pipe expansion will open to 9.287-

inch. OD with centralization to 10¼ inch. The CTEC™ can provide centralization to 12¼ inch and other sizes are currently being developed.

Jean continues, “The CTEC™ is installed on the expandable joints at the customer’s base and then shipped to the well location. The CTEC™ is securely held in a collapsed con-figuration to allow passage through very tight restrictions. Pipe is run normally without any downtime at the rig site. Upon expansion of the pipe, the bows are deployed into their original shape and provide the necessary standoff of the expand-able string in the under-reamed open hole. Because the centralizer is flush to the joint during run-in, there is zero starting or running force while going down hole.”

“We don’t use stop collars, or set-screws so there is never any scoring or marked pipe,” explains Don

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McDowell, Antelope QA Manager. “The centralizer is secured to the pipe with 20,000 lb of holding force, provided by a special bow profile in the collapsed mode. During pipe expansion, the devices that maintain the bows flat against the pipe are ruptured and allow the bows to fully expand to therefore allow optimum restoring force and stand off inside the under-reamed hole. The end col-lar’s design assures sufficient residual tension to maintain the centralizer in place after expansion.”

“We worked with Baker for over a year, including extensive test-ing in the lab and in the field with solid success,” according to Eddie Miller, Senior R&D Technician at Antelope. “The bow springs are hot formed from 4130 low alloy, which is heated, then water quenched and tempered to ensure optimum strength, resilience, and uniformity. The final inspection is the API 10D in which each centralizer is sub-jected to simulated well conditions using our own proprietary software. We’re able to test for such factors as running force, starting force, and restoring force.”

Antelope, which started in 1961 and became part of Frank’s International in 1993, is located in Mineral Wells, Texas where it manufactures primary cementing tools and accessories. Principal among these products are centralizers, cement baskets, stop collars, and wall scratchers and

wipers. Since 1994 the plant has been in the Wolter Industrial Park, which was formerly Fort Wolters, and encompasses over 160,000 square feet. Antelope is licensed to manufac-ture under API Specification Q1and 10D and receives an API audit every three years. The company is also ISO 9001 Quality System Registered.

Antelope owns the intellectual property rights to the new CTEC™ and has granted Baker Oil Tools an exclusive marketing license to sell the CTEC™ Products. For any additional information, contact: Carl Stockmeyer, Baker Oil Tools, (phone 713-466-2426 or Carl.Stockmeyer@BakerOilTools.com.)

1. The CTEC before and after expansion. 2. CTEC units ready to be painted prior to shipping. 3. Testing the CTEC performance.

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News from the ContinentsN

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NORTH AMERICA

Frank’s Casing Crew Celebrates 70th Anniversary

By Blake Lagneaux – FCC Marketing Administrator – Lafayette, LA

“Last October our company celebrated seven decades of successful business,” says Blake Lagneaux, Marketing Administrator, Frank’s Casing Crew, Lafayette, LA.

Employees and their families, along with retirees and other friends, were invited for a day at the Zoo of Acadiana to enjoy this historic occasion. Attendees enjoyed great food, music and weather as they watched slide-shows depicting Frank’s rich history, perused copies of the first issue of the Frankly Speaking newsletter and got a chance to read the biography of Frank Mosing, a true visionary in the Oil & Gas industry.

“It’s a remarkable milestone,” says Virginia P. Cromwell, Frank Mosing’s biographer. “Mr. Mosing’s story is one of hard work, perseverance and unique vision. Ms. Cromwell places him amidst an elite class of industry pio-neers in the history of the oil and gas industry. She writes, “He was among a handful of men who made their mark in the past, stood firmly in the present, and looked steadfastly to the future. Their lives reflect the determination and strength of those people who developed the dynamic oil and gas industry—an industry many people call America’s last frontier.”

Cromwell also provides a rare glimpse into the early life of Frank Mosing. She explains that, as a youngster in Jennings, Oklahoma, Frank helped his father William Henry (“Bill”) Mosing raise “corn, cattle and hogs.” When Frank Mosing was nineteen, he got a job laying pipe, which offered him the chance to travel and, ultimately, led to meeting his wife Jessie Emma (née Kiser) while he was inspecting the laying of pipe for City Service Company in Kansas. The couple married on May 28, 1928.

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sAfter traveling around the country completing various pipe jobs, and even trying to establish a successful farm of his own, Frank was hired to work on a casing crew for Bosco in Lafayette, Louisiana. He worked for this company from 1932 to 1937 when, in a characteristically bold move, Frank Mosing trans-formed from employee to employer. When Mosing’s Bosco paycheck bounced—the company was feeling the devastation of the Great Depres-sion, no doubt—Frank decided it was time to move on. As many fellow crewmembers were quit-ting at the same time, Mosing saw an opportunity and acted quickly. He asked one crew if they would consider working for him. When they agreed, he and the crew moved to Lafayette, Louisiana and Frank’s Casing Crew was established.

Cromwell identifies the corner-stones of Mosing’s business model

as Service and Honesty. This foun-dation held true for Mosing and his company as his reputation for quality and integrity continued to spread throughout the Oil & Gas industry. Along with this solid code of business ethics, Mosing always gave credit to one very important member of his team, his “secret weapon” and wife, Jessie. Not only did Jessie Mosing comprise the entire office staff for years, she also acted as personal assistant, business partner and, of course, loving wife and mother.

Frank Mosing passed away in November of 1988 at the age of 84, but left behind a legacy of quality, service, safety, and good old- fashioned hard work. Perhaps most importantly, he gave birth to a vision for his company, a vision for the future of the Oil & Gas industry which is carried on today by the employees of Frank’s.

Still owned by the Mosing family, Frank’s is currently led by President and CEO Donald Mosing, Frank’s eldest son. Donald has honored his father’s foresight by continuing his pursuit of better service, quality, and safety. Over the years, alongside Keith Mosing leading Frank’s International, the com-pany has grown from a small, one-crew casing operation into a global leader known not only for its reliable service, but also for its commitment to innovation of cutting-edge technologies.

With offices worldwide, Frank’s Casing Crew and Frank’s Inter-national have certainly left an indelible mark on the industry, keeping competitors on their toes and prompting drilling and explor ation practices that will become increasingly more safe, efficient and environmentally sound.

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NORTH AMERICA

Texas Supreme Court Decision Hailed

In what has been described as one of the most important Texas insurance cases in several decades, last February the Texas Supreme Court withdrew its controver-sial 2005 opinion and reversed its prior ruling in the re-hearing of Excess Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London v. Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.

The issue before the Court was whether an insurer may settle a claim against its insured when coverage is dis-puted and then seek reimbursement from the insured should coverage later be determined not to exist. The Court ruled in the rehearing that unless an insurance policy provides the insurer a right to reimbursement of settlement proceeds following a coverage dispute, the insurer cannot create such a right without the insured’s consent. This new decision has been broadly hailed by both the Texas legal and business communities and is important to policyholders that have, or may have in the future, a coverage dispute with their insurer.

Keith Mosing, Frank’s Casing Crew Executive Vice President and COO said, “This decision is not only good for Frank’s Casing Crew, but also good for all Texas businesses.”

Frank’s International will once again be participating in the largest cycling event in Texas. Last April (2008) the two-day, 187-mile bike ride took cyclists from Houston through the scenic Texas Hill Country to finish at the State Capitol in Downtown Austin. The 24th annual BPMS150 event raised more than $14 million to sup-port research to end multiple sclerosis and fund programs for the estimated 20,000 individuals and their families affected by MS in 174 Texas coun-ties. This year’s event is on April 18, 2009. Frank’s International is proud to participate with both cyclists and volunteers for this worthy cause. Riders: Christine DeCoster, Craig Neal, Drew Uruski, Fred Schneiderand Andres Sandoval. Volunteers: David Hebert, Scott Willis, Nick Venizelos and Jenny Smith.

NORTH AMERICA

Houston Office Supports BPMS150

This year’s MS150 team from left to right: Drew Uruski, Andres Sandoval, Craig Neal, Jenny Smith, David Hebert, Nick Venizelos, Fred Schneider, and Christine DeCoster.

IN lOVINg MEMORy

Otto Kammerer, 1931–2009

It is with deep sadness that Pileco announces the passing of its founder and Chairman of the Board Otto Kammerer. Otto passed away peacefully on March 26, 2009. He is dearly missed by his friends and family. Otto, a true American, a true Texan.

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Panning for Gold By Coleman Babb

A Modern Recreation

Whether one is the meticu-lous type, adventurous and outdoorsy, or the

kind of person who always picks up shiny things, there’s something to be enjoyed in panning for gold.

Like the California 49ers of the mid 1800s, people continue to roll up their sleeves and get dirty panning for those precious yellow nuggets in river beds, streams and mines.

While most prospectors don’t pan for the sake of striking it rich, many do it for the thrill of the search while others just enjoy the great outdoors.

Rich Dvoracek of Strike it Rich Adventures in El Dorado County, Calif. sees roughly 5,000 prospectors come through his business annually. His business caters to beginners curious about panning who are also interested in the history behind panning. He says, “The biggest thrill for both young and

old alike is in the search and seeing the gold gleaming in the pan.”

Wondering what it’s like to see the gleaming gold or what it would take to start prospecting? Not much, really. The tools are simple and few. The cost isn’t prohibitive. The basic tools for beginners are, of course, a pan designed for gold-panning, a small bottle or plastic container, tools for prying such as a screwdriver, a small pick and shovel, and a bucket. With the exception of the special pan, a begin-ner can get by with simple household items. The special gold pans generally cost less than ten dollars.

Now, how is it done? The basic idea for panning is to separate specks and nuggets from the soil, rocks, and sand using a sifting technique under water. The pan is basically a sifting device created for that purpose. A very abbre-viated version of the process starts with prospectors filling their pans roughly

two-thirds to three-quarters full and then submerging the pans slightly below the surface of the water.

The next step is to shake the pan from side to side for a few seconds to loosen the contents. Next, rock the pan back and forth to remove the top layer of material. The steps are repeated several times until most of the soil has been washed away. The purpose is to sift the gold to the bot-tom of the pan. Gold is extremely dense, even more so than lead, so with enough shaking and washing, the gold eventu-ally ends up at the bottom of the pan.

Finally, the pan is drained of all but a small amount of water and the remain-ing sediment. The water is then gently swirled around the pan, washing the remaining sand away from the gold.

While it does sound a bit tedious, Dvoracek says that a mere beginner can process five small (10.5 in.) pans in just an hour.

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So where do people prospect? While the phrase “panning for gold” may automatically conjure up images of the California and Alaska gold rushes, one doesn’t have to traverse the Sierra Nevada or the Yukon to get a taste of it.

Placers, deposits of sand and gravel in river or lake beds containing bits of valuable minerals exist in many states and provinces. While many deposits do in fact lie in California and Alaska, placers can be found in most west-ern states in the U.S. as well as in the midwest (Ohio), in eastern states such as Georgia, Ohio and South Carolina. In Canada deposits can be found in Que-bec, British Columbia, Alberta and, of course, Yukon, famous for its Klondike Gold Rush.

Although there are many sites where one can prospect for gold, gold isn’t the only option in recreational prospecting.

Arkansas is home to Crater of Diamonds State Park where prospec-tors, for a small fee of seven dollars,

www.icmj.com/GoldPanning.htm

www.goldgold.com/panninginstructions.htm

www.goldfeverprospecting.com/panningforgold.html

Sites for educational/guided panning:

www.strikeitrichadventures.com

www.gemmountain.com

Informational panning sites:

can hunt and keep diamonds located in the field of what was once a farm. The field is plowed periodically so dia-monds are sometimes found unearthed. The biggest prize ever fetched from the park occurred in 1924. The find was a 40.23-carat white diamond believed to be the largest ever found in the U.S.

North Carolina can also boast an abun-dance of gems. The state has several

gem mines open to the public. Anyone who can sift through dirt is welcome to come in and search in hopes land-ing a precious stone. Common finds in this location are rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

So. . .whether you live east, west, north or south, there may be gold to find in them there hills!

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SafetyBrazil

Macae, Brazil

Frank’s International Brasil (FIB) celebrated 1,000 days without any recordable incident on September 22, 2008. Country Manager, Gilson Souza, con-gratulated all the employees for their achievement and emphasized that this was possible due to the heightened level of awareness and commitment to the requirements established by FIB HSE policy. Awards/prizes were given to those employees who had the best stop cards and demonstrated safe behavior on the job.

Mexico

Mexico

F.I. Mexico has completed 100 conductor driving jobs for PEMEX with no lost time accidents or inci-dents reports Andy Beales, Manager Latin America Hammer Dept.

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Frank’s casing crew – South Texas

Frank’s Casing Crew - South Texas facilities (Corpus Christi and Laredo) reported reaching one million working hours with no lost-time accidents. “We strengthened and enhanced our safety management system since our last incident in February 2005,” said James Hay, Operations Manager of the Cor-pus Christi facility. The Corpus Christi and Laredo facilities employ 140 people who work an average combined total of 29,000 work hours per month.

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Remember Angelina Jolie in the movie, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle

of Life? In that adventure film Lara Croft and her partner make a bold leap from a Hong Kong skyscraper tens of stories above the ground in order to escape a hail of gunfire. The fleeing duo unfurl their wings and glide to safety, courtesy of winged jumpsuits. While it might sound like literary fantasy remi-niscent of Ian Fleming’s super-spy, James Bond, it is, indeed, a reality. Amazingly, it is possible to “fly” using a device appropriately called a wingsuit. This amazing construc-tion is also called a birdman suit or a squirrel suit.

Winged skydiving jumpsuits first became commercially available in 1999 after a joint venture between Jari Kuosma of Finland and Robert Pecnik of Croatia. This was the birth of a modern extreme sport.

The actual hobby, though, has been around for longer than one might expect.

American Clem Sohn and French-man Leo Valentin are probably the most recognized names in the beginnings of the sport. Dubbed “birdmen” by the public, they performed stunts hurling them-selves from airplanes in wingsuits in the 1930s and 1950s, respectively.

Photos of Clem Sohn show that the shape of his wingsuit is remarkably similar to the design used today, while Leo Valentin, who at first used canvas wings in a failed attempt to gain forward flight, eventually donned wooden wings to achieve his goal.

Ironically, the two wingsuit pio-neers have more in common than just being “birdmen.” Both men perished while performing in Europe when their parachutes failed to deploy properly.

Failure, even fatal failure, can become another’s inspiration. Such was the case when French skydiver,

The Icarus Factor By Coleman Babb

Wingsuit Flying

Photography, Nick Rugai, Nitro Rigging LLC

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skysurfer and BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, Earth) jumper Patrick de Gayardon renewed the effort into wingsuit diving in the mid 1990s. De Gayardon’s suit became the model for today’s wingsuits. Unfortunately, he never got to see skydiving in wingsuits become the popular extreme sport it is today. While testing a parachute modifica-tion during a jump in Hawaii in 1998, he met the same fate as Sohm and Valentin.

But Jari Kuosma and Robert Pec-nik picked up where Patrick de Gayardon left off. Co-founders of Birdman, Inc., a Finland-based com-pany, they began selling wingsuits for the skydiving and BASE-jumping public in 1999.

The wingsuit is designed to allow skydivers to basically glide, slowing down the rate of descent and pro-ducing a forward thrust. The suits are typically made from the same

material used in parachutes, nylon. They have “wings” stretching from the wrists to the waist and another strip of material between the legs, connecting the ankles.

As the skydiver falls, vents in the suits inflate pockets, or cells, within the wings and tail, making the fabric rigid with air pressure.

The suits are also designed to con-vert the human form into the shape of an airfoil, like that of an airplane wing, thicker at the front of the wing and then gradually slimming down at the rear when viewed from the tip of the wing toward the cockpit. The resulting effect produces lift as air flows over and under the wings.

Where a free-falling human can reach speeds of 120 mph, wingsuits slow a skydiver’s descent consider-ably, usually down to about 60 mph, although much lower speeds have been recorded. However, wingsuits have a glide ratio of anywhere from 1.5:1 to 2.5:1 meaning that for every meter of vertical travel, a person in a wingsuit will travel 1.5 to 2.5 meters horizontally. Horizontal speeds can exceed 100 mph.

Ed Pawlowski, a jump instructor in Lodi, Calif. with over 10,000 jumps under his belt also runs WestCoast

Wingsuits, a wingsuit training school. Pawlowski became a “bird-man” when he purchased a suit the first year they were available. “I started as soon as I could get my hands on one.”

Unlike a free fall, Pawlowski said that diving in a wingsuit “gives the sensation of that of flying.” He added that some of his students claim “wingsuit flying is the most enjoyable thing they’ve ever done.”

The hobby, however, is not one for novice skydivers. Pawloski recom-mends that a skydiver have at least 200 prior jumps before making the move to wingsuits. And that’s with instruction. Both Birdman Inc. and Phoenix Fly, another provider of wingsuits and instruction, recom-mend having at least 500 jumps for first-timers if they forego wingsuit instruction.

The principal reason for this, accord-ing to Pawloski, is that skydivers need to know how to locate and land in the drop zone. When the horizontal travel factor is added in, it becomes even more difficult and complex.

But hey, if you’ve survived jumping off a cliff or out of an airplane 500 times, why not?

www.birdman.com www.phoenix-fly.com

www.flyyourbody.com www.nitrorigging.com

Wingsuit schools in the US

WestCoast Wingsuits: www.westcoastwingsuits.com

Flock University: web.mac.com/flocku/www.flockuniversity.org

Websites to check out:

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Subcontractor and Vendor Directory

4-D Corrosion Control Specialist, Inc............. See page 30Advanced Maritime Transports, Inc.................See page 22Amegy Bank of Texas..................................... See page 27Amigo Truck LTD.......................................... See page 23Analytic Stress Relieving, Inc.......................... See page 22Aquaocean Transport, Inc.............................. See page 27Begneaud Manufacturing, Inc........................ See page 19Blohm+Voss Repair GmbH............. See inside front coverCSI, Inc.......................................................... See page 30Dutch Gosnell Mfg & Supply, Inc................... See page 27Dwight Andrus Insurance................................. See page 4E. H. Wachs Company..................... .See inside back coverExquip USA, LLC.......................................... See page 28Franklin Electrofluid

5621.Blessey.StHarahan,.LA.70123(800)535-2010(504)486-6444.Faxwww.frankelectro.com

Frisco Welding & Fabrication3361.Highway.741Port.Barre,.LA.70577(337)585-1008

Gachassin, Inc................................................ See page 26GearTec, Inc................................................... See page 15Global Elastomeric Products, Inc.................... See page 19Gulf South Machine, Inc................................ See page 23Hanagriff Machine Shop, Inc.......................... See page 30Holloway Drilling Equipment......................... See page 22Hydradyne Hydraulics, LLC........................... See page 23Industrial & Marine Equipment Co., Inc.. ................................................................... See page 25

Industrial Screw & Supply.............................. See page 23IntegriCert, LLC............................................. See page 25Magnon Electric, Inc...................................... See page 26Matthews, Lawson, Bowick & Al-Azem, PLLC. ....................................................................See page 15MC Tubular Products, Inc.............................. See page 26Midalloy........................................................ See page 25National Oilwell Varco Mission Products

10000.Richmond.AveHouston,.TX.77042(281)517-3100(800)800-4110www.nov.com

Northwestern Mutual..................................... See page 18O’Neal Steel, Inc.

1044.O’Neal.DrBreaux.Bridge,.LA.70517(337)332-4575(800)621-7409..Faxwww.onealsteel.com

PBC Industrial Supplies, Inc........................... See page 22Phoenix Machine Shop................................... See page 24Pileco, Inc....................................................... See page 24Precision Die Technologies............................. See page 24Ralph’s Industrial Electronic Supplies............. See page 26Samuel, Son & Co. Midwest Inc..................... See page 24SDB Trade International, L.P.......................... See page 15SKA Consulting, LP........................................ See page 15TNT Welding Supply of New Iberia............... See page 30Twin Brothers Marine.................................... See page 18Vass Pipe & Steel Co., Inc.............................. See page 25Weiler Pipe, LLC............................................ See page 19

Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.

Corporate Headquarters: Lafayette,.LA.......................................337-233-0303Alvin,.TX.....................................................................................281-331-1501Bryan,.TX....................................................................................979-778-8700Burleson,.TX...............................................................................817-447-6000Conway,.AK................................................................................501-730-0650Corpus.Christi,.TX......................................................................361-289-1955Houma,.LA.................................................................................985-876-2392Houston,.TX...............................................................................281-966-7300Kilgore,.TX..................................................................................903-984-0261Laredo,.TX..................................................................................956-717-8500Laurel,.MS...................................................................................601-649-9555New.Orleans,.LA.........................................................................504-525-3421

Frank’s Tong Service, Inc.Elk.City,.OK................................................................................580-225-0027McAlester,.OK.............................................................................918-423-0688Oklahoma.City,.OK.....................................................................405-672-8064

Frank’s Westates Services, Inc.Casper,.WY..................................................................................307-234-1796Evanston,.WY..............................................................................307-789-1801Grand.Junction,.CO....................................................................970-245-5365Rock.Springs,.WY.......................................................................307-382-0930Vernal,.UT...................................................................................435-789-1698

Oilfield Services, LLCBakersfield,.CA............................................................................661-589-6941Bossier.City,.LA...........................................................................318-747-6119Elk.City,.OK................................................................................580-225-5833Hobbs,.NM.................................................................................575-392-7636Liberal,.KS...................................................................................620-624-4810Longview,.TX..............................................................................903-758-7200Odessa,.TX..................................................................................432-332-5908Perryton,.TX................................................................................806-436-2335Woodland,.CA.............................................................................530-666-2641Woodward,.OK...........................................................................580-254-5184

Joe’s Casing & DrillingWilliston,.ND..................................................................... 701-572-9626

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Frank’s International DirectoryUnited States

Corporate Headquarters:Frank’s International, Inc.

Houston,TX. Phone:.281-966-7300

Frank’s International, Inc. Lafayette,LA. Phone:.337-233-0303

Antelope Oil Tool & Manufacturing Co., Inc. MineralWells,TX. Phone:.940-325-8989

AlgeriaFrank’s International West Africa (BVI)

Ltd. — Algeria Branch HassiMessaoud. Phone:.(see.Dubai)

AngolaFrank’s International West Africa (BVI)

Ltd. — Angola Branch LuandaandSoyo. Phone:.(see.Nigeria-Lagos)

AzerbaijanFrank’s International Middle East

(BVI) Ltd. — Azerbaijan Branch Baku. Phone:.994-12-497-7858

BrazilFrank’s International Brasil, Ltda.

Macae. Phone:.55-22-27-63-4250

BruneiFrank’s Oilfield Services Ltd.

NegaraBruneiDarussalam. Phone:.673-3-333835

CameroonFrank’s International West Africa (BVI)

Ltd. — Cameroon Branch Douala. Phone:.(see.Nigeria-Lagos)

CanadaFrank’s International Canada Oilfield Services ULC

Edmonton,Alberta. Phone:.780-463-3333

Calgary,Alberta. Phone:.403-261-1995

Dartmouth,NovaScotia. Phone:.902-481-8880

Edson,Alberta. Phone:.480-723-2880

FortNelson,BritishColumbia. Phone:.250-233-8867

GrandePrairie,Alberta. Phone:.780-539-9313

MountPearl,Newfoundland. Phone:.709-745-3330

RedDeer,Alberta. Phone:.403-342-6936

ChinaFrank’s Oilfield Services Ltd.

Shenzhen,Guangdong. Phone:.86-755-2685-1271

ColombiaFrank’s International Sucursal Colombia.

Bogota. Phone:.(see.Ecuador).

CongoFrank’s International West Africa (BVI)

Ltd. — Congo Branch PointeNoire. Phone:.(see.Nigeria-Lagos)

EcuadorFrank’s International Equador C.A.

Quito. Phone:.593-2-333-0100

EgyptFrank’s International Middle East (BVI) Ltd.

Cairo. Phone:.2022-758-1497

EnglandFrank’s International Ltd.

GreatYarmouth. Phone:.44-1-493-443044

FranceFrank’s France S.A.

Lescar. Phone:.33-559-323810

GabonFrank’s International West Africa (BVI)

Ltd. — Gabon Branch PortGentil. Phone/Fax:.(see.Nigeria-Lagos)

GermanyFrank’s International GmbH

Muhlen. Phone:.49-549-296400

HollandFrank’s International B.V.

DenHelder. Phone:.31-223-670000

IndonesiaP.T. Selaut Insani

JakartaandKalimantanTimur. Phone:.62-21-7224437

IndiaFrank’s International Middle East (BVI)

Ltd. — India Branch Mumbai. Phone:.91-22-6702-8900

ItalyFrank’s International SRL

Ravenna. Phone:.39-0544-501-592

JapanIntegrated Services (Intl) Ltd.

Tokyo. Phone:.(see.Singapore)

LibyaFrank’s International West Africa (BVI) Ltd.

Tripoli. Phone:.218-914628268

KazakhstanFrank’s International Ltd.

Atyrau. Phone:.7-7122-586158

Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaFrank’s Rawabi S.A. Ltd.

Al-Khobar. Phone:.966-3-859-1494

MalaysiaSelaut Oil Tool Services Sdn Bhd.

KualaLumpurandLabuan. Phone:.60-3-5638-2084

MexicoFI MEXICO de R.L. de C.V.

Villahermosa. Phone:.52-993-339-0287

NigeriaFrank’s International Oilfield Services(Nigeria) Ltd.

PortHarcourt. Phone:.234-84-231-482

Frank’s International West Africa (BVI) Ltd. Lagos. Phone:.234-01-461-9416

NorwayFrank’s International A.S.

Stavanger. Phone:.47-51-819550

PhilippinesFrank’s Oilfield Services Ltd.

MakatiCity. Phone:.(see.Singapore)

Sakhalin IslandFrank’s International Ltd.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Phone:.7-4242-450-545

ScotlandFrank’s International Ltd.

Aberdeen. Phone:.44-1-224-248-200

SingaporeFrank’s Logistic Singapore Pte. Ltd.

LoyangCrescent. Phone:.65-6542-8948

Trinidad W.I.Frank’s International Trinidad, Ltd.

SanFernando. Phone/Fax:.868-652-8411

United Arab EmiratesFrank’s International Middle East (BVI) Ltd.

Dubai. Phone:.971-4-321-1775

VenezuelaFrank’s International Venezuela, C.A.

Anaco,Anzoategui. Phone:.58-282-4251395

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10260 Westheimer, Ste. 700 Houston, TX 77042