North-Wright

Northern Skies · Post by **Northern Skies** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 3:49 pm

Looking at their fleet and area, this seems right up my alley.

Every little detail is immensely appreciated.

Especially interested in pay/conditions/days off/safety/norman wells/etc.

Cheers!

Northern Skies · Post by **Northern Skies** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:03 pm

and about Norman Wells, I know it is small and quiet but how is it compared to say...... Ear Falls?

desksgo · Post by **desksgo** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:47 pm

Hi Northern,

I assume you've used the search key to bring up some things on Northwright, if not, there are some tidbits of interest there if you don't mind wading through the slop (some may even be mine).

The company seems to be doing fine and upgrades seem to come quickly for those on the ramp or in entry-level gigs. As far as comparing Wells to Ear Falls...well...just don't. Accept that Wells has zero to offer and that you had better have a good tight knit group up there...which may be the case, that part I do not know. Been to Ear Falls a few times, good little spot. I'd say Wells is a bit more industrial whereas Ear Falls gets that touristy feeling in the summer.

My personal thought though is there are still far worse places to be in Canadian aviation than the Wells, but it will all depend on your approach to things (which looks favourable judging from your name/previous posts). You do have a northern store and a few restaurants! Sound good?

Good luck!

PT6-114A · Post by **PT6-114A** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:42 am

days off there is no such thing!! you will get to fly lots the guys up there are great. the CP is a good guy and is trying to change things but they are very set in there ways. Are you going up there with time?? Family?? the housing is.......well that depends where you are. the planes are good. but you do have to like to be at work to go there.
PT6

sled · Post by **sled** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:07 pm

I worked for North Wright, if you are used to a small town like Ear Falls then the Wells won't be too bad. Housing is provided by the company, if you are a single guy you will be in the camp until a house opens up. Food is expensive but you can make orders with the co-op in Yellowknife and it saves a lot of money. You are allowed 50lbs freight with the company otherwise it is 35 cents a pound as food mail. There is lots to do, there are activities such as dances and such... take your vacation during Mayqueen is all I will say. There are also 4 bars, the legion is only 200 yds from the camp. and the little bar and big bar have dancing and sometimes bands. If you are an outdoor person you will love it as there is lots to see. I bought a quad to get around, makes it easier to go fishing or to the top of Hanmar mnt. Winter is cold and can sometimes suck, but you just have to make the best of it. Only word of advice for working is to not piss off Warren (the owner) as he is know to fly off the handle and fire people on the spot.

Northern Skies · Post by **Northern Skies** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:45 am

Thank you so much for the info, I really appreciate it. I would like to clarify/expand upon some of this info:

1. "days off there is no such thing!"........ ok, so one would fly 7 days a week. What kind of days are these? Like, 3am to 10pm; or somewhat more reasonable like 8am to 5.... or what? I ask because I'm looking for a job to stay at and grow with, so i'm not interested in a burnout schedule. I don't mind working hard, but everyone has their limits.

2. Pay. The reason I am asking all of this is so I know I'm interested before I go and tell them I'm interested. I cannot be interested until I know I can pay the bills. I know I won't get rich, but I do need to know a numerical value. PM's are more than welcome.

3. "he is know to fly off the handle"..... is this for something like not flying in ovc001/1sm, or just if you're being an ass? Is it a safety issue? Is he reasonable to talk to if you have an issue with something? Hey, everyone has a temper sometimes.

You guys have done a great job describing Norman Wells. The food, housing, etc. sounds like....well... it works. The point that I would be flying all the time sounds nice. When I'm flying, I'm happy. For when I am not, a few girls in town would be a plus but I guess that's asking too much

Two small outstanding questions: I have a car. Not much of an off-road car. I guess I can forget about having it up there, right? and.... internet? I assume the town is well set up for that. It's how I stay in touch with everyone.

Thanks again. As I said, I want to know this so I understand what I would be getting into. I am looking for a job to stay with, so these things are important. The closing date on the posting is the 14th, so time is an issue now.

Again, if you're not comfortable putting anything out in public, PM's are more than welcome.

Cheers!

HighBypass · Post by **HighBypass** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:42 pm

Drive up to YZF, have a look around town, go to the white fox or something and see wha the local ailines are doing, the if you still feel like going further go to buffalo and you could probably get to Norman Wells for free if you help load the plane.. (DC4?? i think).

just curious · Post by **just curious** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:22 am

You could get the car up by barge, but it isn't worth it.

The posting date isn't set in stone, because NWA is turning over pilots, like every 703 operator. Even losing one or two to us

The big guy has a temper, but usually it is activated by pilots doing dumb things contrary to his set policies. It is also usually brief.

I have zero idea about the money and conditions, but the NWA drivers I see day to day are around for 1-3 years, and they aren't anorexic, so they must be able to live.

sled · Post by **sled** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 7:45 pm

As far as I remember the pilots, in particular the new 100 hr top guns should expect to be at the hangar Mon - Fri 7am to 7 pm and 9am - 5pm on Sat. Pilots are paid a monthly retainer plus milage pay. You can get your car there on the barge or wait for the winter road (it is a long drive and don't travel alone) or else some people leave their cars in Yellowknife at the BBC (for a small fee) this is NWA's terminal. If you don't owe any money you will be able to survive as the only bill would be food and entertainment.

freud · Post by **freud** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 3:00 am

Do you really need your car? Camp is a 5 min walk to the hangar, and a 20 min walk to town. The only time I wished I had a car in Norman Wells was hockey night, when the big green NAV Can bus wasn't rolling.

Shady McSly · Post by **Shady McSly** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 8:27 pm

settle down.

North-Wright

North-Wright

the wells