I agree 100% get out of the regionals and go corp. Why abuse yourself any longer?

Its more than a bit better. Put your app in, you will be glad you work at a respectable company that respects you.

I left Trans States last year to come to ExpressJet. One of the best decisions I've ever made. Better pay (you can actually eke out a living on 2nd year FO pay here), better QOL, better contract, no more commuting. In short: Its just better. Then again, I didn't sign a contract at TSA so my decision was perhaps easier. You may want to research how enforceable their contract is. Were I in your shoes, I'd just leave and tell them to come get me (to come after you for money would be akin to drawing blood from a stone anyway). I'm sure they don't want the publicity (in fact, I'd probably threaten to go to the media and say that Colgan is unsafe) and expense of a trial. Colgan is crap company. Get out of there, and come somewhere better.

Threatening someone by saying they are unsafe is hardly the right thing to do if it's not true. Take a higher road. We expect a higher road of others so let's not start down the low road ourselves. Just sayin'....

I have heard of these training contracts being enforced and pilots who walk away from them being the losers. It is unlikely you will beat a corporation. It is likely not worth it to break a contract.

i made a lateral move from eagle to chq 4 months ago and im loving it. My situation is differnt than yours though. Im single, only worried about going bankrupt from college loans not feeding a family, and i gave up commuting to sju for a reasonable drive to cmh. If you are based at home i might think about finding some other work out side of aviation. Being home every night or knowing you will get home after a trip is very important. If its just a money thing than going to another airline might make things better with a slightly higher pay but then you need to ask yourself is it worth being at a lower pay scale longer than waiting it out another 6 months and getting the 2nd year pay and possibly upgradeing sooner. You have to look and figure out what is best for your situation. Your lucky that colgan doesnt have a policy about going to the food stamp line in uniform. An FO was fired at eagle for going there in uniform! Good luck!

Careful with Colgan, a friend of mine is PAYING them back for his training contract, they will get you......

Has anyone had to pay the Mesa contract for leaving early, is so how much is it??

The thing is I really like Colgan, maybe I am in the dark here but they really haven't been bad to me. I am at the point at which living at base doesn't even matter eanymore because I have to pick up open time elsewhere to make ends meet, which obviously isnt cutting it. The woman is alright with me being on the road and so am I. I know it is going to be hard being away from my daughter and all but I am going to be anyways. I live close to 2 major airports and getting to NYC PHL or DCA is simple, I do it everyday! I am just at the point now where either 1. I upgrade in a year live poor or 2. Go elsewhere make more, hold off on upgrade and live more comfortably. Net Jets could be swell but I dont have their mins yet. I know many people in the same situation. Everyday I go into work the question is; so what are you guys gonna do for work til spring? That really blows!

I don't believe that TA has passed yet so don't count on the 100 bases right now, but you could still be based in TEB. You would also have to get your ATP, and get in line. You would probably be better going to Republic/Chautaqua/Shuttle, AWAC, XJET. All are hiring A LOT and need pilots bad. Shuttle would be nice because of DCA, but its a risk since they just put you were they need you.(i.e. Any of the three operators.) Do some more research and figure what works best for you.

Sounds like you want to leave. Make sure it's something you and your family wants to do. Don't be influenced by anyone on a web forum, too many have an axe to grind or on the other hand like to drink the company kool-aid. Everyone situation is different, make up your own mind. I would think that the small pay raise would quickly be eaten up in a crash pad, hotel, food, etc. if you leave you have to commute. From what I have seen an upgrade anywhere isn't going to happen within a year as a new hire.

I tend to think long term. For me it's all about getting to the career job ASAP, other have a different view. Good Luck