Haha. I didn't think that my earlier comment would have made that big of an impression, but I am amazed on a daily basis.

Anyway, Thanks everyone for warm welcome. I'm excited and anxious. I am very fortunate to have options as well as a good stable job at the moment till I wait for something else to pan out. I would really like to be able to make it to an early Oct. class and get online before the Holiday season, but I understand the hard work that HR must go through to get all the background info back.

I'm not so sure that starting training at another carrier while wait for my preferential carrier to take me up is such a good idea though. I can only imagine that it would result in bridges being burned to ashes. I have never been the type to start something and not finish it. Plus, what do I say when I go to interview at the majors in 10 years and they ask that question; "have you ever failed to complete training for any company?" It just doesn't seem fair to Colgan or anyone else for me to start training just to leave after 2 weeks.

 

Good for you! That's a rare attitude.

 

Never burn bridges in aviation... You always want to keep a clean record because you never know what will happen down the road.... Sounds like you're ahead of the game.

 

To each his own. I'm a big fan of integrity as well, but I guarantee you that the companies don't give two farts about you and will break an agreement with you on an almost daily basis (see the grievance list at Eagle or how 'bout the UPS guys that had to sign a 3 yr agreement to Alaska and now they're being furloughed - I guarantee you it only works one way). You're just another number in the queue. And, you don't have to burn a bridge to leave Colgan; give them 2 weeks notice. There would be no training failure if you leave volutarily.

Be straightforward but keep your options open, or just tell Colgan no and pray that everything works out like you want. Be aware though: I have heard of more than one pilot who was "hired" at Eagle only to be shot down by the review board for no apparent reason.



A story: I was in newhire training at a regional after 9/11 and got called for a "better" airline interview. Told them I couldn't do it due to training but they said these were the last interview dates so I contacted IOE scheduling and was told I could get a couple of specific days off and scheduled the interview. They reneged on my days off so I had to call back and cancel the interview, but asked them to call at the next available days. You think I've ever been offered another interview date? That's what can happen when you do it right. My integrity is intact but I don't have the better job.

I guess you should do what feels best and be willing to accept the consequences if it doesn't go your way.

Good luck.

 

I do appreciate the advice from everyone. I just need to make my decision and never look back at it.

 

A quick question to clarify a post way back on page 6 or 7. Are new hires in CASS some time during the first week of training, or is it not until completion of check ride? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

Does anyone know if you you owe Colgan money if you voluntarily leave training after a week or two, or does the training contract not start until the completion of training?

 

Yep, They get you in CASS pretty quickly. By the end of the first week you should be set.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I believe you and your spouse (if you have one) as well as your parents will have unlimited flight benefits on AA and AE on day one of ground school.