Trans Capital vs Voyageur Wages and Conditions info Wanted

[bananaskins]

I'm looking at a Dash 7 Captain position with TCA and would appreciate any info as to what wage package I can expect and the corresponding rotation schedule they work toward. In addition to that can anyone shed any light as to how TCA's package compares to Voyageurs. I've heard that one can negotiate his own contract. Is this correct?

Thank you in advance for your information.

[BE20 Driver]

Never worked for either. Interviewed at both.

I don't remember all the details now, but TCA lost me at 3 year 24K money upfront bond. Voyageur on the other hand was 18K 1 year IIRC.
Schedule at TCA was something like 2 months on, 1 month off, traveling on your days off. I was also told up front that they expected me to be flexible to cover for illnesses, death in the family situations of other crews. Also, training was on your time off. Voyageur was simple 2/2 and I don't remember the details but travel was likely also on your days off.

TCA requires 500 TOT before moving into the left seat whereas, I don't believe Voyageur had the same requirement (they might due to UN rules, but I don't remember it coming up).

My memory is a little foggy. Hopefully this helps. Also, FWIW, I have a few friends at VAL and they're all happy as can be there.

[bananaskins]

Yes it certainly helps. Thanks very much.

[Chaxterium]

Hello,

I'm currently working with Voyageur. I can't speak too much for TCA but I'll give you what I can on Voyageur.

The schedule is 8 weeks on, 8 weeks off. Travel is on your time off so it works out to more like 8.5 weeks on, 7.5 weeks off. The rotations don't usually change too much. I've done 13 tours and I've extended past 8 weeks twice and both times it was at my own request. Having said that there are times when you will be asked to extend but it will be because of something serious. IE a death in the family or something to that effect. Once you're settled in a rotation you will most likely have a partner who will be your back to back and when needed you can arrange things on your own with that other person. For example if you have a wedding and you need an extra week at home or something.

As for TCA I have two friends working for them right now and they've both been in the field for 5-6 months straight. In the last year they've had I believe one month off so you can throw that 2/1 rotation out the window. I believe they're very short on crews right now so the rotations are very long. As soon as you're home you'll be asked when you can get back into the field again.

As for working conditions I've heard good and bad about TCA. More bad than good but who knows. If I had listened to all the negativity about Voyageur on AvCanada I would have missed out on a job I thoroughly enjoy. Voyageur is certainly not perfect but in my 4 years here I've been treated fairly and I have no major complaints. The bond is now 15k for 1 year. Annoying yes, but three 8 week tours and it's over. A year passes very quickly in this lifestyle.

Hope that helps. If you have any other questions ask away.

Cheers,
Chax

[bananaskins]

I applied for, and was offered an interview based upon my application to join as a Captain on the Dash 7, with TCA giving me the rating on the Dash. Does anyone out there have any experience with TCA with regards to getting the rating with them and then being sent into the field? I'm curious as to whether or not they will ask me to sit in the right seat to gain experience on type (presumably on F/O wages) before being cut loose in the left seat.

I know I can ask all this at the interview but would like to show up with my guns loaded.

Thanks.