Orca Airways YYC, Should I apply

[dash7]

Hey everyone, I was working my ramp job on Apron 4, when, the other morning I saw a Beech 99 that said Orca on it, sure eneough I found out Orca Airways is operating in YYC. Can anyone tell me if they are as bad here as they are in YVR? Is it worth it for a 600HR guy to throw in a resume? What are working conditions/pay/maintenance/schedule etc like in YYC for them? Anyone in the know please respond.

[arctic_slim]

Orca has recently started doing bag runs out of CYYC. It is not known to be a nice company to work for, but if you're willing to put up with it for low pay and a crappy schedule (leave early in the morning and get back after sunset) its a good place to get some time and experience in your logbook. All the guys I know there went only because they saw a chance to get PIC time due to usually quick upgrades. Apparently they pay in CYYC is better than CYVR. I'd say if you go in there with a good attitude and don't let them walk all over you, you'd be fine.

That's my opinion/2 cents based on knowing a bunch of guys there.

[oldtimer]

Unconfirmed scuttlebut around the patch says the bank contracts may be ending shortly.
The banks are going fully electronic so no more need for the bag runs.

[arctic_slim]

Yeah I have heard that rumor too and even the guys at Orca don't know, but until that happens they keep flying their bags off and building their time.

[tipsails]

I heard a rumor that Jazz have very recently become wary of hiring pilots direct from Orca due to a few not living up to GS expectations. Keep that in mind if your plan is to go to a regional afterwards, you might have a hard time with Orca as your most recent employer.

That being said, you'll bag a ton of time and that's worth something.

If you're in YYC have you considered KB?

[Big Bird Anonymous]

You should always listen to all of the fantastic advice you get on this forum...soooo many experts! Just hold out for that Air Canada 777 position and stay on the ramp!!

[Oxi]

Ask the crew why TC grounded their 99 recently!

[loopy]

Not if you value living to enjoy your career. This company is a bottom feeder and someone is going to get hurt or worse. Drivers encouraged to bust minimums, checklist and SOP use optional. Getting hours is one thing, being mentored by a culture that has no professional integrity is another.


My 2 cents. I guess now that would be a nickel.

[esp803]

Sure, Apply.

And if you get an interview ask the following questions: How much money will I make, how much time do I get off and How many hours do I work on days I fly. It's a job, treat it as such, and if either of those answers are less than a typical burger restaurant, tell them to pound sand.

E

[Rowdy]

I heard a rumor that Jazz have very recently become wary of hiring pilots direct from Orca due to a few not living up to GS expectations. Keep that in mind if your plan is to go to a regional afterwards, you might have a hard time with Orca as your most recent employer.

That being said, you'll bag a ton of time and that's worth something.

If you're in YYC have you considered KB?

Simply a poorly informed rumour. There are multiple solid hires from orca that are at jazz and on the line or in gs.

Also, KB looks to be in a state of decline and they don't fly as much as they used to.

The Yyc crews fly half as much as the Yvr crew but are indeed paid more.

[oldtimer]

I had some ex-Orca (and other bottom feeder) pilots in a groundschool class and although they had some horror stories to tell, once they found out we did things the way they were supposed to be done, the Orca (and others) bad attitude seemed to disappear rather quickly.