OPERATIONS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bristow Group Inc. and its consolidated entities after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. Investments in affiliates in which we have a majority voting interest and entities that meet the criteria of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) of which we are the primary beneficiary are consolidated. See discussion of VIEs in Note 2. We apply the equity method of accounting for investments in entities if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over an entity that (a) does not meet the variable interest entity criteria or (b) meets the variable interest entity criteria, but for which we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary. We apply the cost method of accounting for investments in other entities if we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the unconsolidated affiliate. These investments in private companies are carried at cost and are adjusted only for capital distributions and other-than-temporary declines in value. Dividends from cost method investments are recognized in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, net of losses, when paid.

Fiscal period policy

Our fiscal year ends March 31, and we refer to fiscal years based on the end of such period. Therefore, the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 is referred to as fiscal year 2018.

Reclassification policy

Certain reclassifications of prior period information have been made to conform to the presentation of the current period information as a result of an adoption of a required accounting standard. In prior period financial statements, we had included employee taxes paid for withheld shares as a cash flow operating activity. During fiscal year 2018, we have reclassified employee taxes paid for withheld shares to be presented as a cash flow financing activity as a result of the adoption of new accounting standards effective April 1, 2017. These reclassifications had no effect on our consolidated statements of operations or our consolidated balance sheet as previously reported.

Use of estimates policy

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Areas where accounting estimates are made by management include:


•	Allowances for doubtful accounts;


•	Inventory allowances;


•	Property and equipment;


•	Goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets;


•	Pension benefits;


•	Contingent liabilities; and


•	Taxes.

Cash and cah equivalents policy

Our cash equivalents include funds invested in highly-liquid debt instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less.

Accounts receivable policy

Trade and other receivables are stated at net realizable value. We grant short-term credit to our clients, primarily major integrated, national and independent oil and gas companies. We establish allowances for doubtful accounts on a case-by-case basis when a determination is made that the required payment is unlikely to occur. In establishing these allowances, we consider a number of factors, including our historical experience, change in our clients’ financial position and restrictions placed on the conversion of local currency into U.S. dollars, as well as disputes with clients regarding the application of contract provisions to our services.

Inventories policy

Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value and consist primarily of spare parts.

Property and equipment policy

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Property and equipment includes construction in progress, primarily consisting of progress payments on aircraft purchases and facility construction, of $67.7 million and $199.3 million as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Interest costs applicable to the construction of qualifying assets are capitalized as a component of the cost of such assets.

Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of aircraft generally range from 5 to 15 years, and the residual value used in calculating depreciation of aircraft generally ranges from 30% to 50% of cost. The estimated useful lives for buildings on owned properties range from 15 to 30 years. Other depreciable assets are depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 15 years, except for leasehold improvements which are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the improvement or the lease term (including any period where we have options to renew if it is probable that we will renew the lease). The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are included in gain (loss) on disposal of assets.

We capitalize betterments and improvements to our aircraft and depreciate such costs over the remaining useful lives of the aircraft. Betterments and improvements increase the life or utility of an aircraft.

Goodwill policy

Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized, but is assessed for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that a potential impairment exists.

Other intangible assets policy

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values.

Contingent liabilities policy

We establish reserves for estimated loss contingencies when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Our contingent liability reserves relate primarily to potential tax assessments, litigation, personal injury claims and environmental liabilities. Results for each reporting period include revisions to contingent liability reserves resulting from different facts or information which becomes known or circumstances which change and affect our previous assumptions with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss. Such revisions are based on information which becomes known or circumstances that change after the reporting date for the previous period through the reporting date of the current period. Reserves for contingent liabilities are based upon our assumptions and estimates regarding the probable outcome of the matter. Should the outcome differ from our assumptions and estimates or other events result in a material adjustment to the accrued estimated reserves, revisions to the estimated reserves for contingent liabilities would be required to be recognized. Legal costs are expensed as incurred.

Proceeds from casualty insurance settlements in excess of the carrying value of damaged assets are recognized in gain (loss) on disposal of assets when we have received proof of loss documentation or are otherwise assured of collection of these amounts.

Impairment of 50% or less owned investments policy

We perform regular reviews of each investee’s financial condition, the business outlook for its products and services, and its present and projected results and cash flows. When an investee has experienced consistent declines in financial performance or difficulties raising capital to continue operations, and when we expect the decline to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to fair value. Actual results may vary from estimates due to the uncertainty regarding the projected financial performance of investees, the severity and expected duration of declines in value, and the available liquidity in the capital markets to support the continuing operations of the investees in which we have investments.

Impairment of long-lived assets policy

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of an asset group to be held and used exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group.

Revenue recognition policy

In general, we recognize revenue when it is both realized or realizable and earned. We consider revenue to be realized or realizable and earned when the following conditions exist: there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement (generally a client contract exists); the services or products have been performed or delivered to the client; the sales price is fixed or determinable; and collection has occurred or is probable.

Revenue from helicopter services, including SAR services, is recognized based on contractual rates as the related services are performed. The charges under these contracts are generally based on a two-tier rate structure consisting of a daily or monthly fixed fee plus additional fees for each hour flown. These contracts are for varying periods and generally permit the client to cancel the contract before the end of the term. We also provide services to clients on an “ad hoc” basis, which usually entails a shorter contract notice period and duration. The charges for ad hoc services are based on an hourly rate or a daily or monthly fixed fee plus additional fees for each hour flown. In order to offset potential increases in operating costs, our long-term contracts may provide for periodic increases in the contractual rates charged for our services. We recognize the impact of these rate increases when the criteria outlined above have been met. This generally includes written recognition from the clients that they are in agreement with the amount of the rate escalation. Cost reimbursements from clients are recorded as reimbursable revenue with the related reimbursed costs recorded as reimbursable expense on our consolidated statements of operations.

Eastern Airways and Airnorth primarily earn revenue through charter and scheduled airline services and provision of airport services (Eastern Airways only). Both chartered and scheduled airline service revenue is recognized net of passenger taxes and discounts. Revenue is recognized at the earlier of the period in which the service is provided or the period in which the right to travel expires, which is determined by the terms and conditions of the ticket. Ticket sales are recorded within deferred revenue in accordance with the above policy. Airport services revenue is recognized when earned.

Prior to the sale on November 1, 2017, Bristow Academy, our helicopter training unit, primarily earned revenue from military training, flight training provided to individual students and ground school courses. We recognized revenue from these sources using the same revenue recognition principles described above as services were provided. We consider revenue to be realized or realizable and earned when the following conditions exist: there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement (generally a contract exists); the services have been performed or delivered to the client or student; the sales price is fixed and determinable; and collection has occurred or is probable.

Maintenance and repairs policy

We generally charge maintenance and repair costs, including major aircraft component overhaul costs, to earnings as the costs are incurred. However, certain major aircraft components, such as engines and transmissions, are maintained by third-party vendors under contractual agreements also referred to as power-by-the hour maintenance agreements. Under these agreements, we are charged an agreed amount per hour of flying time related to maintenance, repair and overhaul of the parts and components covered. The costs charged under these contractual agreements are recognized in the period in which the flight hours occur. To the extent that we have not yet been billed for costs incurred under these arrangements, these costs are included in accrued maintenance and repairs on our consolidated balance sheets. From time to time, we receive credits from our original equipment manufacturers as settlement for additional labor and maintenance expense costs incurred for aircraft performance issues. We record these credits as a reduction in maintenance expense when the credits are utilized in lieu of cash payments for purchases or services. The cost of certain major overhauls on owned fixed-wing aircraft operated by Eastern Airways and Airnorth are capitalized when incurred and depreciated over the period until the next expected major overhaul. The cost of major overhauls on leased fixed-wing aircraft operated by Eastern Airways and Airnorth are charged to maintenance and repair costs when incurred.

Taxes policy

We follow the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax basis of our assets and liabilities and measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in income in the period in which the change occurs. We record a valuation reserve when we believe that it is more likely than not that any deferred income tax asset created will not be realized.

In assessing the realizability of deferred income tax assets, management considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which such temporary differences become deductible.

Tax uncertainties policy

We recognize tax benefits attributable to uncertain tax positions when it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the authorities. The benefit from a position that has surpassed the more-likely-than-not threshold is the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement. We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of benefit (provision) for income taxes in our statement of operations.

Foreign currency policy

In preparing our financial statements, we must convert all non-U.S. dollar currencies to U.S. dollars. Balance sheet information is presented based on the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date, and statement of operations information is presented based on the average exchange rate for the period. The various components of stockholders’ investment are presented at their historical average exchange rates. The resulting difference after applying the different exchange rates is the currency translation adjustment, which is reported in stockholders’ investment as accumulated other comprehensive gains or losses. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in other income (expense), net in our statement of operations and result from the effect of changes in exchange rates on transactions denominated in currencies other than a company’s functional currency, including transactions between consolidated companies. An exception is made where an intercompany loan or advance is deemed to be of a long-term investment nature, in which instance foreign currency transaction gains or losses are included as currency translation adjustments and are reported in stockholders’ investment as accumulated other comprehensive gains or losses. Changes in exchange rates could cause significant changes in our financial position and results of operations in the future.

Recent accounting pronouncements

We consider the applicability and impact of all accounting standard updates (“ASUs”). ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued accounting guidance on revenue recognition for revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new standard is to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services through a five-step model. The new standard also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and the related cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This new standard is effective for the Company beginning on April 1, 2018. The standard is required to be adopted using either the full retrospective approach, with all prior periods presented adjusted, or the modified retrospective approach, with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings on the balance sheet. We adopted this standard on April 1, 2018, utilizing the modified retrospective method. Under the modified retrospective method of adoption, prior year reported results are not recast; however, a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings at April 1, 2018 is recorded, if applicable. In addition, quarterly disclosures will include comparative information for fiscal year 2018 financial statement line items under current guidance. To the extent applicable, upon adoption, we may be required to comply with expanded disclosure requirements, including the disaggregation of revenues to depict the nature and uncertainty of types of revenues, contract assets and liabilities, performance obligations, significant judgments and estimates affecting the amount and timing of revenue recognition, and determination of transaction prices. The adoption of this guidance did not result in a cumulative-effect adjustment on April 1, 2018.

In November 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changed how deferred taxes are classified on an entity’s balance sheet. The accounting guidance requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance may be applied either prospectively, for all deferred tax assets and liabilities, or retrospectively. If applied prospectively, entities are required to include a statement that prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. If applied retrospectively, entities are also required to include quantitative information about the effects of the change on prior periods. We adopted this accounting guidance using the prospective adjustment option effective April 1, 2017 and prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. As of March 31, 2017, we had $0.1 million in current deferred taxes and $0.8 million in current deferred liabilities that were reclassified to noncurrent upon adoption of this accounting guidance.

In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance which amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Additionally, this accounting guidance requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. We have not yet adopted this standard and are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to accounting for employee share-based payments. The accounting guidance is intended to simplify several aspects of accounting for share-based payment award transactions including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statements of cash flows. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard effective April 1, 2017. The requirements related to the tax consequences of share-based payments were applied prospectively and resulted in $1.8 million recorded as an increase to the income tax provision during fiscal year 2018. We elected to record forfeitures of share-based awards based on actual forfeitures, which did not have a material effect on our financial statements. The provisions related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statements of cash flows did not impact our financial statements as there was no excess tax benefit recorded for the periods presented. The provisions related to presenting employee taxes paid for withheld shares as a cash flow financing activity required us to revise our prior period consolidated statement of cash flows by $0.8 million and $2.2 million with a decrease in net cash used in operating activities and a corresponding decrease in net cash provided by financing activities for fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively. None of the other provisions of the pronouncement had a material effect on our financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity transfer of assets other than inventory. This accounting guidance requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs and eliminates the exception for an intra-entity transfer of assets other than inventory. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. We have not yet adopted this accounting guidance and are currently evaluating the effect this accounting guidance will have on our financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses. The amendment provides criteria for determining when a transaction involves the acquisition of a business. If substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, then the transaction does not involve the acquisition of a business. If the criteria are not met, then the amendment requires that to be considered a business, the operation must include at a minimum an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create an output. The guidance may reduce the number of transactions accounted for as business acquisitions. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively, and no disclosures are required at the effective date. We have not yet adopted this accounting guidance.

In March 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The accounting guidance requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and disclose the amount of net benefit cost that is included in the statement of operations or capitalized in assets, by line item. The accounting guidance requires employers to report the service cost component in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs and to report other pension-related costs (which include interest costs, amortization of pension-related costs from prior periods, and the gains or losses on plan assets) separately and exclude them from the subtotal of operating income. The accounting guidance also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted as of the first interim period of an annual period for which interim or annual financial statements have not been issued. The accounting guidance requires application on a retrospective basis for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the statement of operations and on a prospective basis for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. We have not yet adopted this accounting guidance and are currently evaluating the effect this accounting guidance will have on our financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance on determining which changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply modification accounting. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is applied prospectively to changes in terms or conditions of awards occurring on or after the adoption date. We have not yet adopted this accounting guidance and are currently evaluating the effect this accounting guidance will have on our financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on derivatives and hedging, which amends and simplifies existing guidance in order to allow companies to more accurately present the economic effects of risk management activities in the financial statements. The two primary benefits resulting from these changes include the removal of the requirement to separately measure and report ineffectiveness and the ability to perform ongoing effectiveness assessments on a qualitative basis. This accounting guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with earlier adoption permitted. We adopted this accounting guidance in fiscal year 2018. Since there were no active hedge accounting relationships as of the adoption date, there were no adjusting entries required to adjust on a modified retrospective basis.

In February 2018, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on income statement reporting of comprehensive income, specifically pertaining to reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is applied prospectively to changes in terms or conditions of awards occurring on or after the adoption date. We have not yet adopted this accounting guidance and are currently evaluating the effect this accounting guidance will have on our financial statements.

In March 2018, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to expand income tax accounting and disclosure guidance on accounting for the income tax effects of tax legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) and among other things allows for a measurement period not to exceed one year for companies to finalize the provisional amounts recorded. We adopted this accounting guidance in fiscal year 2018. See Note 8 for further details.