Orlando (Orly) Ward Fairchild was born in Charlotte, Michigan, on November 2, 1912. In 1936, Orly learned to fly in an Aeronca C-3, beginning a career in aviation that would span five decades.

He began his airline career in 1939 as a ground mechanic for famed Pennsylvania Central Airlines (later Capital Airlines, then United Airlines) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Four years later, Orly made Captain, flying the DC-3. During World War II, he worked on a military contract in Roanoke, Virginia, serving as a flight instructor for both Army and Navy pilots. Over his career, Orly was based out of several airports, including Detroit, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Miami, Florida.

Orly captained his final flight in a B-727 into then-Palm Beach International Airport (Florida). He was greeted by fellow United pilots upon his return in the tradition of the day. A well-known and colorful individual, Orly's final flight also attracted the attention of local TV stations and newspapers.

Orlando Fairchild died in 1986.