Squawk_5543

I tell you what it sure is tempting to want to start applying for jobs with all these reduced mins and what not. For most of us this is really the moment we have been waiting for and working toward since we first took to the skies. Honestly if I had not joined APC and really started understanding the industry I would probably have already taken the plunge and ended up with a poo poo regional not knowing any better. When I was at Riddle in AZ I thought Mesa was awesome cuz all my instructors were going there........well now.....you know. I get excited about seeing all these low minimums...knowing I could get a job right now if I wanted. But for the most part I really think the guys here know what they are talking about as far as what to look for and what to avoid and we as prospects should consider some of this before jumping into anything just because we know we could get the job.

As far as Colgan goes, I have been thinking about them for a few reasons......I'd love to fly the 340, and I'd love to be based in TX. But as I now know there are far better options down here with a little patience, and I would gladly relocate to be with a better regional.

Andrew_VT

I'm currently debating between Colgan and Pinnacle. I have 1200TT but only 20me with MEI. I like both of these airlines because I can commute to both BTV and PWM easily from each. I know all about the pay and the other issues, but which will get me the upgrade quicker and which is less likely to downsize is the question that is bugging me.

DMEarc

We've got the turbo prob market that most airlines want right now. TP are more profitable, but less comfy. I really don't think we'll downsize anytime soon.

BaronVnLawndart

There’s nothing inherently wrong with Colgan, in fact the company presents opportunities that are rarely found elsewhere. Being based at home (no commute) is priceless and if you play your cards right in this department I really don’t see how the QOL can be beat.

OK, the pay isn’t at the top of the industry but it isn’t at the bottom either. Plus, when you factor in being at home every night, less reserve, paid training, newly CASS certified, respectable schedules with more potential to start getting the lines you want earlier on in your employment, and the chance to continue building your skills on a reasonably complex and well-sized turbo-prop, it’s possible to make the company work extremely well for you despite what anyone might say about inadequate compensation.

The company is growing its fleet, adding service to more cities, adding pilots, as well as uniting its pilot group (in one way or another ALPA/Internal – point is efforts are being made & movement in a positive direction is underway). Altogether, and of course in my opinion only, this is plenty to be said about a company in comparing it to some of the supposed ‘more quality’ regionals being discussed.

You’re doing the right thing by researching. Take time to determine what factors are most important to you and then find a company that fits your needs. Keep in mind there are plenty of people who will badmouth a company because of maybe a bad experience or the ever-existing pilot gossip grapevine, but the fact of the matter is that a lot of companies get pigeon-holed by people who like to spread information with little regard to facts. All companies have their own individual plus’s and minus’s and I’d hate to think any of them just plain couldn’t work out well for one person or another.

I just hate to see someone looking for info and getting nothing but negatives. Not trying to invalidate any of it, it’s certainly important to gather as much information as possible, but here’s a different perspective for you to add to your considerations. Shame on me. Good luck with the job search.

Squawk_5543

Well said Baron. As I stated, I would love to fly the Saab and Colgan has bases close to home so i am not counting them out. I think the 340 would be excellent training before moving up to jets....of course you have all the wonder boys who are trying to get that RJ before they even get their permanent license in the mail ....

shamrok

Thanks for all the input from everyone, pro's and con's. I agree that Colgan might be a good fit for one person and maybe not the best for another. I will say that Chuck Colgan returned a phone call of mine about a year ago when I was seeking his perspective on my chances of suceeding as a 2nd career pilot due to my age (35 at the time, 36 now). I never expected him to call me back, but he did, and answered all my questions pleasantly without rushing. I was pleased to hear that the maturity and life experience that an older person can bring is a positive attribute. Not many owner's of an airline would call a person back that had only just begun thier quest of becoming an airline pilot. A year later and I am a CFII and ready to start sending out resume's this summer. There was honesty in that phone call and he simply ended our conversation by saying " hope to see you here, but good luck wherever you go". Everyone here has been very helpfull, not just with this thread but with others as well. Good luck to all searching for that first job or big jump to your dream job! -Sham