I am aware of the usual suspects in regard to Colgan. They have their issues with them and thats fine. Sounds like they moved on to better things and thats great. I am just curious about pilots opinion's regarding today's situation at Colgan. Even digging up archives is not as helpful because of the ever changing state of a regional airline. What was happening 6 months ago might not be relevant to current day status. Again, stressing the word "might".

 

Ya know I dont honestly know how many guys are going to jump at the chance to bid a CA spot on the Q400, unless they suffer from "DTS" of course (Dirty Turbo-Prop Syndrome), the pay is terrible and its hellish commuting to and from EWR, especially with the routes that Colgan will be flying, can you say 5hr ground stop to EWR from PVD, MHT, etc........... we know how Colgan has such a great commuter policy It will be interesting to see how much more a union is needed there becuase flying in and out of EWR all day long, you need to have good work rules otherwise your life is going to be miserable..............

 

Hey Saab, I know your views on Colgan and I do respect your opinion. Thanks for the input about the Q400's and work rules operating out of EWR. Sounds like it could be miserable working there in that respect. However, the only reason I am considering Colgan is because I live 15 minutes from PVD. The QOL would be quite good for me should I receive the chance to be based there or MHT. But, I have never worked there so I guess I wouldn't know until I am actually flying for them. I do know that if I got stuck in some base that sucks I would probably share your same views pretty quick. Do you recall if they are somewhat good about giving you a base selection in a reasonable time? How about seniority in training, is it stil by age? That helps me if it is (36).

 

Hey Shamrok, if your going to be based in your hometown, you gotta go for it, I agree. Seniority is based on age and if you dont get PVD out of training, the best way it was done when I was there was to bug Mikey Colgan about it, bidding for a new base never worked as well as talking to Mike about it. I will say being able to drive to work is priceless, especially if its day trips...........After 4 days in a hotel when you get home you feel like you have had the **** kicked out of you mentally and physically, when I do like 4 day trips in a row I am happy as an can be, love being home (Jersey). The only good thing about 4 days is you get to see some cool cities and there is a potential to have a lot of fun if you have a good crew, also $600.00 tax free Per Diem check is nice. It also sucks if you are gone a long 4 days with a ****ty crew

 

Hey Bro,

Colgan has been great for me so far, however I am concidering leaving after my contract is up. It's not because I have been screwed around w/ (like everyone complains about), or anything like that. I just want to move back to where I used to live, and its far enough away that I wouldn't be able to commute very easily. (we don't have a commuter's clause - so if I miss my flights, I could get fired.)

Do your research. Do what YOU have to do for YOU to better your career. Since you are low time, and if you get hired at Colgan, just remember...It's only one year. Plus, by the time you are done with your contract, you can literally pick which regional airline you want to fly for.

Good Luck,
Lax

PS. But if you REALLY want to get on with your choice airline(s)...flight instruct for another couple of months and stick it out. But if you can't stand teaching anymore, concider banner towing, being a skydive pilot, etc.

 

Thanks Saab, I'll keep that in mind if I end up with Colgan. Flight instructing is getting tiresome pretty fast not to mention the heat and humidity in the 152/172's this time of year. The time might be near to send in the resume. Hows the SF340 in the summer. I have heard some horror stories regarding the heat and the smell........have any good ones?

 

hahaha Thats the great thing about the ERJ, or anything with a APU. I remember sitting in the airplane in the ramp at LGA and being wet, I dont mean like sweating I mean like wet, Like I had just jumped in a pool, the pax were in almost as bad a shape the worst part was, there was a lot of older people, like Grandma types and I felt terrible for them. Nothing more uncomfortable then doing 8 legs a day while you smell like a wet piece a cheese.

 

Wow, that doesnt sound any different than sitting in a 172 on a day like today. All my students canceled today because of heat and haze ( visibility sucks) here in Rhode Island. I bet the older people were ready to pass out. I guess thats something else to consider when choosing an aircraft or airline for that matter. So in the winter, is it the reverse with the SF340? Freezing cold? Just curious.

 

not too bad, its just that the yokes are like Steel or something, so they are as cold as the outside temp, and that can be cold, especially with like a 0510 show I remember some of the CA's using like a towel on the tiller, it was so cold hahah man that blew.

 

As you know, it can be pretty friggin cold at 5 am here in the northeast. I guess we all have to deal with it. Thanks for the input, time to go fishing since I wont be flying today. Your alright bro!