What's a better regional? Some were comparing Colgan to Horizon. Horizon is not hiring and has people on furlough. Eagle, well its Eagle. Colgan is still a regional like republic was 15 years ago when they made you PFT.

It's a decision each person would have to make. Can I put up with the crap for a shorter upgrade time versus somewhere else with no guarantees of making it to the next level?

 

Never chase an upgrade or plan for a "possible quick" upgrade. This industry changes on a daily basis. I'd stick with the Navajo job, which I myself would take right now. Who knows, there might be a few more airlines that might be hiring come Spring time. I'd say go for the interview if you want, just to get the experience, but if offered the job, I'd turn it down and tell them why! Because of the pay and work rules.

 

I'm with you and looking for the same sort of thing...does anyone currently at Colgan actually LIKE it there? Is it worth it to go there for "X" amount of time to get the 121/Turbine time? Does that even have enough value to carry someone, like myself with 1500hrs of piston time, to a better position someday? Or is it worth it to bide your time and look for something else? Btw...Love the hooker/STD reference...;-)

 

4.) Commuting on Reserve? is it possible, impossible impractical?
I'm a senior lineholder with 3 days off at a time and I commute and that's stressful as it is... I can't even imagine how it might be for a reserve guy. Possible, but worth it?

 

Thanks spoilers and good point. I should know it's not a good idea to chase an upgrade, but I was just thinking that historically colgan upgrades quicker than the average regional. I got burned by comair in 08 and haven't forgotten about that experience. At the interview with them I was told they would hire 300 more after myself... No need to explain how that went. I would definitely go to the interview but I might take your advice on what to do if offered the job.

 

What? Did you not read kalyx stating that she may be upgraded at year 4?

Quite frankly how anyone can even consider this a decision to make after reading kalyx's description is beyond me. But I guess you could always go there and hope for "things to turn around." From the looks of it, it really can't get any worse.

 

I have had lots of opportunity to collect unemployment in my checkered past and couldn't do it. I found some temp gig until a paying one came along. To each is own. I am sorry if i disparged anyone on furlough. We all gotta do what what we have to do.

 

I would say be thankful the airlines are not hiring. This is a golden opportunity to get on with your life and skip the misery that is the airline lifestyle. I would also say, considering how the industry can literally come to a STANDSTILL, think wisely about where you could potentially be spending YOUR CAREER at.............or a good portion of it.

This does not just go for Colgan, any airline, specifically bases and commuting work rules, things commonly overlooked when looking for an airline job-----sick call policy, commuting policy, 401k, vacation, bidding, etc..............

 

The times of quick upgrades and using the regionals as stepping stones are long gone. With more E170s/190s, CRJ900s, Q400s coming on the market and replacing more and more mainline flown by "regionals" there won't be very many major airline jobs left to go to. All the regionals suck! Some suck more, and some suck less.

Rule #1 when interviewing with the airlines. Don't believe a word HR is telling you about upgrades times, new airframes, etc.

 

Places like Horizon have furloughed because they are WAY more expensive than places like Colgan. Not only is their hourly rate way higher, they have a good 401K match, higher per diem pay, better work rules (leads to a higher paycheck), and better medical benefits (part of your compensation). Don't be surprised if it costs Horizon $50,000+ for their 2nd year FO vs. $30,000 for a 2nd year FO at Colgan. Same airplane but huge disparity in cost to the company.

As for what is a better Regional... there are over 10 that I would say. Skywest, Horizon, ASA, Expressjet, Republic(yes republic), Air Wisc, Eagle, Mesaba, Comair, Piedmont, Compass, Pinnacle... and there are probably a couple more. Now Pinnacle I would suggest to really avoid too. They also need help getting a better contract, and going there does not help their chances.