NAC2000 & Wasaya

[Saskabush9]

Hi Everyone:

I've got about 1200 hours and have been doing the float thing for the last few seasons. I've about had enough of Northern No-where and am ready to move on to the next stage.

I've heard that Wasaya and NAC will take on some low to medium time guys for the right seat. I've checked the website's of the companies and know what they post for mins etc...just wanted to know some info on the companies.

I was wondering if anyone can tell me what they are like to work for. What their managements like, working conditions etc. Also how stable they are, expansion plans (if any) etc. Times for upgrades etc.

I want to get turbine time, and these 2 companies have come up as good ways to start from what I hear. But I don't know alot about the two, which have a better rep, and what the working conditions are like etc?

Any info on the two companies, or any other out the Sioux Lookout way would be appreciated. It sounds crazy, but moving to YXL would be a big improvement from here.

Thanks

[gelbisch]

Any info on the two companies, or any other out the Sioux Lookout way would be appreciated.

have you looked into lockhart? if you can get on with nac or wasaya so much the better... but lockhart may be a firm possibility too.

[yycflyguy]

Wasaya just closed their Winnipeg B1900 base and laid off some guys.... they are under new management which (I have only heard second hand) is suspect.

[Saskabush9]

I've talked to people about Lockhart before. What I've heard hasn't been the best in some cases. Apparently the schedule sucks big time!! And there are some other downsides that I have heard as well about the work environment. I've heard that the quality of flight time is second to none as far as single pilot IFR goes on the resume. But like I said the schedule and work environment which comes down to quality to life is lacking.

Plus there is no turbine time with Lockhart. I know Bearskin isn't hiring at all, so this leaves NAC and Wasaya as the best options for that neck of the woods from what I hear. But as with Lockhart, I'd like to hear what the work environment is like.

I know I sound picky, but I am employed currently. I just want to move on to another level as it's time. And I would like to go somewhere where management is decent, and the environment isn't hostile. Nothing worse than working for management that is hostile, or doesn't have a clue.

[C-FOXY]

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[Saskabush9]

C-FOXY:

I'm sorry if you thought I meant Lockhart was hostile. I in fact haven't heard that about Lockhart. I was just saying that I have heard that some companies have a hostile attitude towards pilots, and that isn't the environment I'm looking to work in.

I have heard from people that either have worked at Lockhart or know people that have, that your schedule sucks, 24 hour on call, hard to have a life outside of the company etc. ...lot of wierd calls at wierd hours about possible flights etc. And you don't have any turbine equipment. I make pretty decent coin where I am for the months I fly...I just want full time employment, hopefully on some turbine equipment, for a decent company.

Like I said...I know it's kind of picky, but I'm not in a have to move type of situation, so I'll wait and keep trying until I can hopefully work somewhere decent enough to provide steady employment as well as a fairly decent quality of life. Or as decent as can be expected at this stage of my career in this industry.

Didn't mean to offend you, just not what I'm looking for.

Anyone with info on these other companies though would be appreciated.

[IFR Pilot]

Both company's can serve your purpose if you are looking for turbine time.
Wasaya... Great for buliding time, all kinds of equipment right up to 705, all turbine. Variety of flying and ALL in the reserves. Generally very good schedules, but that and upgrades largely depends on how you get along with mgmt. Pay sucks unless you fly Hydro or the big bird.

NAC... All PC'12 and 1 King Air, and they announced today they are expanding and hiring 5? more pilots. 1 maybe even two more Pilatipye. Scheduling good, but VERY long days, and have to load your own airplanes in ALL stations, but so does Wasaya now apparently. Also just work to the reserves from ywg yqt and yxl. Good Pay for flying a PC12.

Hope that helps, PM me if I can help with more info... Whats the attraction to YXL anyway?

[Saskabush9]

IFR Pilot:

Thanks for the input. I'm not worried about loading my own planes...no big change from right now. And long days don't bother me either. I assume long flying days = more days off per month as well, which is fine with me. The good pay sounds great as well. That's awesome that they just announced that they are hiring, good to see expansion in this industry.

Are they that busy, or expanding routes? Their management must be doing something right. What are they like to work for say vs Wasaya?

It's not that I have a burning desire to move to YXL, it just seems to be a pretty good hub. For someone with my time it seems as good a place as any. Plus it's close to YWG & YQT if you get the urge for some city action on days off. And from what I hear, it is one of the better places in Canada to get your foot in the door and make some valuable contacts. BC is pretty well out of the question it seems, and I've had enough of Sask.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

[IFR Pilot]

Their expansion from what I understand has to do with expanding their circle of ownership communities. Long days often means more days off, but usually filled with oncall days, but I work for Wasaya so can't give you too many accurate details on NAC. I think in the end you will fly about the same amount at either company. Either company is a good bet if you want to fly lots. Advantage with Wasaya is you can (maybe) move up to different types. Sioux Lookout is a great place if you like the outdoors, but don't mind spending a little more for your living accomodations. Good luck!

[185_guy]

What about Skyward? They do exactly the same thing as bearskin and Wasaya, only in MB. The few times ive been into YTH, the guys there all seem friendly and happy with thier work.

[gelbisch]

And from what I hear, it is one of the better places in Canada to get your foot in the door and make some valuable contacts.

in my experience that's not true. you can make a lot of contacts for other 703/704 operations up in the middle of nowhere, but i found sioux a hard place to get out of... and i know a lot of other people who'd say the same.

there is a lot going on there, however, as far as aviation goes and it's a great place to start from that point of view.

try to get a room in one of the airport houses... paradise!

[Doc]

YXL it the pilot what Wawa is to the hitch-hiker....if ya get out of the car there...you'll be there for a while!
Did sombody actually say that Wasay's "new" mgmt was "suspect"?? ROTFLMFAO!!!!!! It sure wasen't "pilot friendly" when I was there!
That said, Wasaya has good equipment...never a complaint from me on that score, and you would gain a truck load of geed experience. Just avoid anyone driving a Danali like they have the plague....cuz they do, have the plague that is.
Now, as for NAC. I do know a couple of guys there. One, I think, pretty much runs the show, and the other is the CP....both great chaps. I'd work with either of them anytime. From an experience point of view, I think time (in the right seat at least) in a PC12 has it's limits, if you're using it as a stepping stone.
Just the ramblings of a madman!

[flyinhigh]

I've heard good and bad about both Wasaya and Nac. Personally I don't know which one I would go for as I had heard the same on both companies.
As I am sure you know ALL companies have there good and bad qualities.
If you want to build multi time you can try the new companies outta yxl, called superior airways which is flying PA-31's and Gateway which is a DC-3. Lockhart well PM me and I can tell you what I know.
cheers, good luck