North-Wright

[blueoval56]

Hello everybody, I was wondering if anyone on here knows if North-Wright is looking for any entry-level pilots to work on the ground for a possible flying position. I currently have 260hrs, CPL, group 1 IFR, float endorsement, and an aviation diploma(don't know if that's still a requirement, but I was told it used to be). I'm very interested in the type of flying that North-Wright does and would really like to fly in the Mckenzie region. Any information is greatly appreciated.

[futboler14]

I received a call around March of this year. I sent my resume in early Jan. but I was already hired elsewhere so I couldn't accept it.

So if you dont hear anything right away, it could be a position isn't open right now, but keep trying!

[Red Line]

To quote a chief pilot I used to trust: "make sure you do your research".

Most of the threads on said company on this forum are old, but that's OK because nothing has changed there. You'll read conflicting opinions, but remember, every rumour is based on an element of truth.

Do they still have the interest-free 3.5 year bond?

[sprayrail]

There are good and bad points about nearly every operation out there especially when you're just starting out and on the bottom of the totem pole. Northwright will be very busy right now as all operators in the valley are. Have you sent them a resume? I worked there a while back and enjoyed the experience, and there are guys that are still working there and plan to stay. You have a chance to get great experience there and having accomodations supplied is a great way to save some money if you stay out of the bar.
Good Luck!

[blueoval56]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help. I have sent them a resume and plan on sending another. I also plan on giving them a call. I'm currently in yzf so I might even be able to go drop off a resume in person. I know that evey company is different and yes I did thouroughly use the search on this forum to find out everything I could, but as previously stated, most are quite old. I have alked to a couple guys who used to work there and to me it sounded like the positives out-weighed the negatives. I don't plan on going anywhere for quite a while, so I would plan at least 3 years there if I got hired. Again, if anyone has any new information on the situation there, I would really appreciate any information.

[Thomas Magnum]

Blueoval56,

Why not apply to Borek? I have three friends there now and all but one had only 250ish hours when they got hired for the Maldives.

[blueoval56]

I've tried, but with no luck so far. I am going to keep trying though. How long ago did they start there? I heard that they usually only take 1 or 2 250hr guys a year that usually have good connections.

[flying4dollars]

I don't plan on going anywhere for quite a while, so I would plan at least 3 years there if I got hired.

I could make big money betting that for every person that ever said that, it would never happen.

You could PLAN to stay 3 years, but you'd be surprised at how quickly you can change your mind.

[Cancelgar]

Can anyone elaborate on the bond they have. My understanding is they keep a portion of your paycheck for the three year period and if you bugger off before then, they keep that chunk of change. I can't believe they don't give you any interest on money that you have earned and are rightfully entitled too. When you are paying $12 for a gallon of milk, that alone would keep me away from there.

[blueoval56]

I don't plan on going anywhere for quite a while, so I would plan at least 3 years there if I got hired.

I could make big money betting that for every person that ever said that, it would never happen.

You could PLAN to stay 3 years, but you'd be surprised at how quickly you can change your mind.

Yes, I know that plans are good to have becuse they give you a goal to strive for but they tend to change all the time. But I really dont have anything to go home for and I really want to fly over there.

[194_Specialist]

Those who are interested in an adventure i would recommend North-Wright. I had spent over 4 years there recently and have alot of good things to say about the company. Its a company that promotes by your work ethic and ability. But it also gives guys with 250hrs a chance to start flying a 172/206/207 while flying right seat on a Twin Otter/99/200. From there move up to the islander and then onto the caravan. From the caravan you move to left seat of the mulit turbines. Its a company that if you commit to the three and a half years you will not only have the experience but also the Pic time and multi time to pic and choose where you want to work.

For guys who are interested in offstrip...you usally fly the twin otter right seat to learn the strips and gain experience from guys who have been there. Twin otters go on wheels, floats, and straight board skis. They also run 206s into mountain strips, floats, and on wheel skis up on the arctic coast. For those who also love floats, after a season of right seat twin otter and a season on the 206 on floats you can move up to the porter on floats.

As for the flying....well it is the best flying you will ever do in your career. You take it for granted most days when you work there but when you look back you realize how much fun you had and how exciting it was.

Not to say everyday is fun and easy. You are expected to come with a work ethic and a strong back. Airplane prep work, cleaning and loading is the crews responsibilities. Sometimes at -40C it isn't fun but at the same time makes for some good stories. Work days are long but if your young and looking for lots of hours its a good place. Usually do between 850-1200 hours a year. You will be asked to help in other tasks related to the operation of the company. Possibly help move drums around the yard. Drive the van to pick up some hunters, etc. But nothing that will kill you.

You sometimes get moved around a little. Their main base is in Norman Wells, but they also have a base in Inuvik (usually 4-6 guys), a 207 based in Ft Good Hope (1 guy), and a 99 based in Deline (2 guys). If you have a choice Deline isn't too bad, world class fishing steps from your front door, and in Inuvik look out for the mad trapper bar. LOL. Time off in Norman wells is fun....usually seems like a never ending party during the summer. The winters can be cold but the guys usually become best of friends and find way to make it go buy. Usually at the big bar. LOL.

The company is accomodating for guys who bring girlfriends up. Usually giving them a job in accounting or records.

The housing accomodations are paid for. The only thing you pay for is your food and long distance calls. Which when its minus 40 for 2 weeks at a time you will be happy not to be paying for you heating bill.

The chief pilot had changed about 5 months ago. He is a stand up guy who will bend over backward to help you out. If you are interested in a job give him a shout. He doesn't play games and doesn't promise anything he can't deliver. He has brought in a new pay structure, more time off, and many new things for the guys still there.

All in all I have to say i miss the flying around those parts. If you want to learn from guys who know how to fly and have fun. Give them a shout.

If you have anymore questions let me know.

[blueoval56]

Thanks 194_Specialist! That is exactly why I am intersted in working there. The only name I have found on the internet for chief pilot is Jim Ritchie. Is he the new CP or is it someone else?

[sky's the limit]

Do they still have the interest-free 3.5 year bond?

3.5 YEARS? For what?


That just goes to prove the old adage that "misery, does in fact love company...." 3.5 years in the Wells? You've got to be kidding. And yes, I have spent more than enough time there to know.... Ouch.


stl

[ScudRunner]

North-Wright hold back money on each of your cheques, Can't remember how much but i'm sure 194 Specialist can shed some light on it. And if you stay there 2 years you get it back, but thats 2 years when you start flying so if you spend a year on the ramp then there's your 3 year Tour of Duty.

But knowing a few guys who use to work there you will fly good planes and get some interesting flying under your belt.

[194_Specialist]

Not sure exactly the terms of the new contracts. I believe that they use to charge 250/for training! If you worked the ramp and left with out any training cost you got the money back. If you leave right after getting your PPC you got nothing back. At the end of the contract 3.5 years you get it all back no matter if you were trained on something or not.

But if that is all your basing your decision on your probably not the type of guy North Wright Needs. If you can't see that the positives out weigh the negatives then don't bother even posting a reply to this thread or sending in a resume.

For a 200 hour guy to go from school to a twin otter off strip captain or 99/200 captain in 3.5 years and have 3000-3500 hours is terrific. Those who disagree well.....

[Cat Driver]

Not sure exactly the terms of the new contracts. I believe that they use to charge 250/for training! If you worked the ramp and left with out any training cost you got the money back. If you leave right after getting your PPC you got nothing back.

Do you have to actually put money up front or do they just pay you less until your training cost is paid for?

The PPC thing is foreign to me as we never had to have one.

[Johnny#5]

no money up front...you just make less until your contract is over then you get money back.

If you leave early, you dont pay anything, you just would have made less than someone who fulfilled the term.

[xsbank]

Wow, 3 years in the Wells.... yes, I've spent a few decades there in a week or two, too. I'm with you, STL - and taking your girlfriend there? Double

And to do it on reduced wages, too?

Holy crap, I'm going to have to lie down for a while.

[PT6-114A]

194_Specialist is that poop?

[sprayrail]

Norman Wells is the same as many other garden spots in the NWT. If your young and single and looking for the good times get out of aviation while you can. However if you're looking for experience and a chance to advance quicker than you would in the south there's your chance.

[Shady McSly]

theres nothin better than beiing drunk up north....DRUNK UP NORTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hi!

[pilot to dispatch]

Oh boy, shady has come out of retirement. God help us all!!!!!!!!!

BTW, if ya wanna put some hair on your balls (chest if you're a lady), go fly at North-Wright!

[sky's the limit]

theres nothin better than beiing drunk up north....DRUNK UP NORTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hi!

You know, that's pretty hard to argue with.....lol

Lot of good pilots have started at NW, and as 194 says, there's some neat terrain to explore up there.


stl

[Flybaby]

So let’s see if I understand this right, the company takes $250 per check for 3.5 years as a training bond. If an employee gets paid semi monthly (twice a month), that would be $250.00 X 24 X 3.5 = $21,000.00. Holycrap, that’s like a reverse prorated training bond where the longer you work the more the company gains from you leaving.

[Phileas Fogg]

i believe its $250 per month.