Colgan Air Hiring FOs for Saab 340 and Q400
01-19-2010, 06:17 PM
#161
Where's my Mai Tai?
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: fins to the left, fins to the right
Posts: 1,754
I'd really like the 121 time and possible quick upgrade but I'm starting to question whether or not it's worth all the abuse. Do I keep my job flying aerial mapping (the navajo is cool but still pt 91) and hold out for a "better regional" or is that just like having sex with a hooker and hoping for a "not so bad STD"? Just don't know what to do.
It's a decision each person would have to make. Can I put up with the crap for a shorter upgrade time versus somewhere else with no guarantees of making it to the next level?
01-19-2010, 06:20 PM
#162
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: FO4LIFE
Posts: 1,531
I'd really like the 121 time and possible quick upgrade but I'm starting to question whether or not it's worth all the abuse. Do I keep my job flying aerial mapping (the navajo is cool but still pt 91) and hold out for a "better regional" or is that just like having sex with a hooker and hoping for a "not so bad STD"? Just don't know what to do.
01-19-2010, 06:26 PM
#163
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: Going to get lunch...
Posts: 70
I'd really like the 121 time and possible quick upgrade but I'm starting to question whether or not it's worth all the abuse. Do I keep my job flying aerial mapping (the navajo is cool but still pt 91) and hold out for a "better regional" or is that just like having sex with a hooker and hoping for a "not so bad STD"? Just don't know what to do.
I'm with you and looking for the same sort of thing...does anyone currently at Colgan actually LIKE it there? Is it worth it to go there for "X" amount of time to get the 121/Turbine time? Does that even have enough value to carry someone, like myself with 1500hrs of piston time, to a better position someday? Or is it worth it to bide your time and look for something else? Btw...Love the hooker/STD reference...;-)
01-19-2010, 06:27 PM
#164
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Position: Student Pilot
Posts: 849
1.) Anybody who actually works at Colgan mind sharing what their paycheck comes out to after taxes for min guarantee? average per month from per diem?
I'm on 3rd year pay, my biweekly paycheck is 850. Keep in mind that figure is most likely higher than other 3rd year guys because I don't pay income tax for my state of residence and my withholding for federal taxes is 3 (most single dudes claim 1 or 2, so I don't pay a lot of taxes upfront but don't get anything back in refund either which I prefer it that way) and my health insurance is the cheapest level. Most 4 day lines in IAD are in the 60-70 hr range - no hope of going over guarantee esp since the base has plenty of reserves and the company prefers attempting to save money by covering open time with reserves instead of using them for sick calls, etc. and letting lineholders pick up open time. Notice I say "attempting to save money" because this practice does bite them in the butt when they become shorthanded on reserves and end up having to junior man checkairmen to fly right seat. but whatever, spend a dime to save a penny right?
I'm a senior lineholder with 3 days off at a time and I commute and that's stressful as it is... I can't even imagine how it might be for a reserve guy. Possible, but worth it?
01-19-2010, 06:29 PM
#165
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: Hawker 800XP/G280 PIC
Posts: 186
Thanks spoilers and good point. I should know it's not a good idea to chase an upgrade, but I was just thinking that historically colgan upgrades quicker than the average regional. I got burned by comair in 08 and haven't forgotten about that experience. At the interview with them I was told they would hire 300 more after myself... No need to explain how that went. I would definitely go to the interview but I might take your advice on what to do if offered the job.
01-19-2010, 06:46 PM
#166
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 102
Thanks spoilers and good point. I should know it's not a good idea to chase an upgrade, but I was just thinking that historically colgan upgrades quicker than the average regional. I got burned by comair in 08 and haven't forgotten about that experience. At the interview with them I was told they would hire 300 more after myself... No need to explain how that went. I would definitely go to the interview but I might take your advice on what to do if offered the job.
Quite frankly how anyone can even consider this a decision to make after reading kalyx's description is beyond me. But I guess you could always go there and hope for "things to turn around." From the looks of it, it really can't get any worse.
01-19-2010, 07:04 PM
#167
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Posts: 153
If this is supposed to be some shot at unemployed guys...you do realize that unemployment only lasts a few months (maybe more depending on your State and situation). It is an insurance that your previous employer pays into (via payroll tax). It is not endless welfare...all these guys still need to find a job before their benefit runs out.
01-19-2010, 07:07 PM
#168
Banned
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: A-320
Posts: 6,929
I would say be thankful the airlines are not hiring. This is a golden opportunity to get on with your life and skip the misery that is the airline lifestyle. I would also say, considering how the industry can literally come to a STANDSTILL, think wisely about where you could potentially be spending YOUR CAREER at.............or a good portion of it.
This does not just go for Colgan, any airline, specifically bases and commuting work rules, things commonly overlooked when looking for an airline job-----sick call policy, commuting policy, 401k, vacation, bidding, etc..............
This does not just go for Colgan, any airline, specifically bases and commuting work rules, things commonly overlooked when looking for an airline job-----sick call policy, commuting policy, 401k, vacation, bidding, etc..............
01-19-2010, 07:13 PM
#169
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: FO4LIFE
Posts: 1,531
Thanks spoilers and good point. I should know it's not a good idea to chase an upgrade, but I was just thinking that historically colgan upgrades quicker than the average regional. I got burned by comair in 08 and haven't forgotten about that experience. At the interview with them I was told they would hire 300 more after myself... No need to explain how that went. I would definitely go to the interview but I might take your advice on what to do if offered the job.
Rule #1 when interviewing with the airlines. Don't believe a word HR is telling you about upgrades times, new airframes, etc.
01-19-2010, 07:17 PM
#170
Banned
Joined APC: Jan 2010
Posts: 93
What's a better regional? Some were comparing Colgan to Horizon. Horizon is not hiring and has people on furlough. Eagle, well its Eagle. Colgan is still a regional like republic was 15 years ago when they made you PFT.
It's a decision each person would have to make. Can I put up with the crap for a shorter upgrade time versus somewhere else with no guarantees of making it to the next level?
It's a decision each person would have to make. Can I put up with the crap for a shorter upgrade time versus somewhere else with no guarantees of making it to the next level?
As for what is a better Regional... there are over 10 that I would say. Skywest, Horizon, ASA, Expressjet, Republic(yes republic), Air Wisc, Eagle, Mesaba, Comair, Piedmont, Compass, Pinnacle... and there are probably a couple more. Now Pinnacle I would suggest to really avoid too. They also need help getting a better contract, and going there does not help their chances.
