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.