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Comparing 121 training programs

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Comparing 121 training programs

Old 06-08-2007, 08:20 AM
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Default Comparing 121 training programs

It seems like ExpressJet has a good training program from what I've read. Would appreciate info on duration and quality of ground and sim, success rate, if instructors are helpful. How do other carriers such as SkyWest, Pinnacle, PSA, Comair, Mesa, Air Wisconsin, Commutair, Colgan, Big Sky, Great Lakes, American Eagle, Chautauqua, Mesaba, Horizon, TSA,etc. rate?
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Old 06-08-2007, 08:31 AM
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I am just finishing up at Eagle. The training has been good. It has been intense to say the least. Go to class 7-4 then study until 10ish. The instructors are very knowledgable and give good guidance.
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Old 06-08-2007, 08:44 AM
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I went through SAAB COLGAN training and XJT EMB training, XJT blows them out of the water for a few reason................The FTD we use at Express are actually cockpits with moving displays at COLGAN they use ratty cardboard..............which one do you think makes for better training, Colgan instructors seemed to teach irrelevant systems stuff, though the 737 at American is nice, I dont need to know about it basically XJT has a much more professional way about themselves than COLGAN ever did when it comes to training pilots.............my sim instructor at COLGAN didnt know how to use the sim. we spent the first hour of each one him trying to figure out the damn thing, not to mention we never did any TCAS RA's so when checkride time came.............yeah you guessed it........anyway I could go on and on but basically the difference is lie night and day.


PS We also had one great guy wash out because he got a 69 on the systems test, he needed a 70, they sent him home an hour later.............what a disgrace rumor had it that it would of been easier to send him home because we had an odd number of people in the sim, so it would of been cheaper for them to just send him packing.........
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Old 06-08-2007, 09:12 AM
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I am a proud ex-Laker but I'd have to say, copy SAAB's Colgan experience and there you have Lakes training. The only difference would be quality of instructors, every instructor I had at Lakes was top-notch. The management of the training was, and always will be, sub-par.

The first time pass rate for upgrade was about 30% when I went through and I lucked out and passed. That after sitting in Cheyenne for 2 weeks without touching an airplane because there weren't any available. No refresh flight, no nada. Low pass rates are a reflection of a poor training program, bottom line.

Couple that with politics. They now have a training 'manager' on the 1900 that I would not give a leg to because of his gross ineptitude as a pilot. He subsequently hires cronies like himself.

That all being said, I have attacked and conquered every subsequent training program that I have been in solely because of the 'fear of god' that Lakes training puit into me.
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Old 06-08-2007, 09:51 AM
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Eagle has an excellent training program which I completed in the ERJ 145 a few months back. Instructers where experienced and a wealth of knowledge. Eagle has a "3 strikes, your out" policy. It was not tough at all, so long as is you stay awake in ground school and put in a little extra study time after dinner. Eagle provides you with everything you need to be successful and you need to make the best of it. Everyone in the school house tells you they are glad to have you, and they will do whatever it takes to help you through.

As for the other aircraft. Many people in my new hire class had trouble with the Saab. THey are desperate for quality instructors. If you choose a base with that aircraft, be prepared to teach yourself systems.

ATR and CRJ I hear are great training programs with fun instructors.
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Old 06-08-2007, 09:52 AM
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compared to transstates. i thought xjet training was a joke. im no genius, but the interview was the hardest part for me at xjet... i guess it did help that i had time in the 145. training facilities, sim, FTD, instructors all great. hotel sux!

in my tsa class several years ago, 5 out of 11 washed out. all during sim! its pretty tough to be a waterskier.

Last edited by subin30; 06-08-2007 at 10:01 AM.
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Old 06-08-2007, 10:09 AM
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SUBIN as for me, it was easy as well, but dont forget it was our second time around..................., a lot easier
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Old 06-08-2007, 10:27 AM
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I just finiahed with Eagle, I found the training program to rather easy. Just stay ahead and put in a little extra time after dinner and relax. Though I am on the jet and I hear the Saab is much more difficult
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Old 06-08-2007, 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by subin30 View Post
its pretty tough to be a waterskier.
Did they teach you to close your flight plan if tower is closed? Or is it common to leave for the hotel and let the other 5 aircraft inbound hold?
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Old 06-08-2007, 10:57 AM
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machaf, so have you never made a mistake... You must be an aviation god....
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