Anyone have any info on Nakina Air Service?

[CRJ-705]

hey guys i have an interview with nakina tomorrow for a dockhand position and just wondering if anyone can tell me to expect. also, whats the wait time there for flying? any other info is greatly appreciated, thanks a lot for any help.

[180]

Sounds like all your questions will be answered tomorrow. Good luck.

[CRJ-705]

anyone?

[BverLuver]

last I heard 2yr + wait...they do this to see how many will stick it out. Last pay I heard was $12/hr. On the dock are some of the worst working conditions I have ever heard of and thats if the owner doesn't challenge you to a fight on the dock. Most dockies don't last more than a month or 2....good luck....ask lots of questions tomorrow.

[CRJ-705]

^ hey thanks for the post. ive heard its similar things aswell.

[180]

If that is truly the case, then you can do better.

[Redneck_pilot86]

^ hey thanks for the post. ive heard its similar things aswell.

If you have heard similar things, why are you still considering the job? The only way the industry will change is for everyone to stop allowing conditions like this to exist.

[Flat Lander]

I've heard things about Nakina minus all the crap you read on the Forum. If you are looking for a float operation to fly for and are low time good luck with that. But if they are going to keep u for the winter to work the ramp and eventually get into right seat in the Pilatus or the twin otter, or maybe fly the Caravan go for it. If you want to work, key word work, Nakina is the place. Whining is not allowed in Nakina. Planes are in excellent condition. Maintenance excellent. All the equipment/facilities to support the operation in excellent shape. Not sure dock hand pay, but pilots pay is fair. Once your in a plane all you will have to do is look after yourself, look after the plane and whats coming in and out of it and build good time. And time adds up quick, they're busy.

[stef]

Pay is $16 per hour.

Noone has had to wait longer than 12 months for the last 4 years. Most have been less. We came up with a plan to shorten wait times and it has worked.

Coming for an interview today? See you in a little while then. I don't work at the float base, but I'll be happy to talk to you about what working in Nakina is like.

Stef

[DanWEC]

So how'd it go CRJ?
I fired a resume off last week but I guess they liked yours better
Good luck man!

[BverLuver]

Stef, is the plan to make as many dock hands quit by the end of the year as possible so only a few to carry over and get off the dock? Every issue I have heard about stems from the management team, not just the owner. Being told that you are useless and worthless every day takes it toll on good employees, but I have never worked there so what do I know?

[CRJ-705]

wow im hearing so much conflicting stuff on them im not sure what to think.

and Danwec, i applied like a month ago and they're still accepting resumes so you still have a chance.

[stef]

Haha. That's a good burn BevrLuver, but no. We've been able to hire some really great local guys over the past 4 years, where we used to hire all pilots to work the ramp. You are right that we had one guy quit from his dock job last summer. Guess it wasn't the right fit for him. Another fellow finished the season, and then decided to not move up to the airport for the winter. It was my understanding that he had wanted to pursue float flying, but maybe there was more to it than that. The other two guys that stayed on are now flying full time as FO on our PC12's.

You are right that their are at times a negative component to work here. It is hard work and it can be quite physically and at times menatally exausting. It is definately not for everyone.

I encourage anyone considering a position here to find me, and I'll put you in touch with guys that work here that can give you an unbiased opinion on what is good and bad about the job, so you can make an informed decision.

I hope the little jab at management besides 'the family' was directed at me, and not the new manager at the sea base who is working her but off to keep things organized and is doing a great job IMHO.

[BverLuver]

Stef, taking the high road in a disagreement such as this is admirable so I will extend the same courtesy. If you have a new manager at the sea base, that is a very big step!!! There is still a long way to go to repair perceptions and realities of that operation though. I have personally had some run ins of how the owner has tried to undermine operations I have been involved with.

One question, are the owner and his father able to be in the same room for any length of time besides the Christmas party?

Once again it is admirable that you make yourself available and willing to put people in touch with "unbiased" people, but how unbiased can an employee wanting to protect their own ass and job and unwilling to risk it for a newbie they know nothing about, really be? I would not put it past the owner, to plant spies to see what his employees are really saying about him.

Stef, I do not know you at all, we may have crossed paths in the past, but I wish you the best of luck and be safe.

Thank you
BL

PS:
I am also sending you a question via PM that I would not feel right airing, as I personally have no documented proof of, so I will not make any accusations in a public forum. I am curious to see your response