I agree with you BUT

Do you really think a kid looking for some turbine time is going to ask himself all those questions???

We've all been there before.... You instruct or fly checks, take the first regional job that is offered to you. Then you apply at the majors and the good corporate flight departments, and you take the first job that is offered to you....when you're 25 years old, you're not thinking safe operation, benefits, QOL, 401K and all that stuff, you're thinking G550 or 777.

I see where you're coming from, and that's the way it should be, but it isn't, and we know that...

 

Can't really do that right now! It's not like it was 2 years ago when you could nit pick things you like and dislike. Get the job! Get experience in a 121 enviornment and if it's that horrible move on when the industry picks up! I don't understand why people get so upset about other people decisions! Worry about yourself and let them be big boys or girls. I've been at colgan for almost two years and honestly it's not bad. Anyone have questions about colgan that don't want to get harrassed pm me and I'll be more then happy to help you to the best of my knowledge. Good luck to those who interview.

 

1- NO
3- EWR, IAH Q400
4- EWR Crashpad avg.$250
5- 1.40
7- yes
8- yes
9- $280.00 / mo. Family includes Heath Dental and Eyes
10- maybe, getting there
11- don't know its been 2.5 years. I would say post 3407, Yes
12- Very
13- Owned by Pinnacle, Strong like BULL (if an airline could ever be "strong")
14- Always no matter where you go. If your a good standardized pilot, you have nothing to worry about.
15- Both are always improving due to ALPA
16- 1 week after year, 2 weeks after 2 so on so on
17- NO, weak

These are my answers after 2.5 years at CJC but mostly part time. My opinion is that at a time when there is no movement, Colgan has some. Bash it as you may, but all Regionals suck. If your Regional is awesome, then your probably losing flying to one that isn't. Its the Facts and if you don't like them, Leave. Try to find one thats an easy commute and will get you out the other end ASAP. Good Luck to those looking for a job!

 

Some of you people must have sore fingers trying to save the world one discouraged applicant at at time!

Winglets...are you an an Intervention Counselor! I understand what you are trying to do but your efforts are futile! It's like using a cup to save the titanic!

 

Wow! There is a major disconnect here. People truly only care about themselves now a days. It's pretty sad to see the ignorance. No offense but one day when mommy and daddy stop paying your bills and flying has to become a job to support your family and not just some image to carry so you can tell girls your a "regional aviator" and sing songs to them at the bar, you will see it. It will all make sense. Some people on here think they can change the world. Don't we all wish. The problem is much deeper than APC.

Sure the pay is livable. QOL at any airline is better than being a peasant. But you know that management makes all of it's financial decisions on "how low will they go". They are pumped right now because of people like the ones we see right here in this thread. Heck the don't even have to ask you. They know how low you will go just by looking here. Just so some share holders can make a few bucks. Just so they can work the numbers to make it look like they have a lot more cash than there really is and work on their magical bonuses.

Call it cynical but you'll see one day. Then again, maybe not.

 

I totally agree, but who should these guys care about? You, Me? Yeah okay. Right now with jobs at an all time low, Everyone is trying to make ends meet. Unfortunately that requires guys to take jobs that pay lower than they want so they can afford to pay for wifey and daycare for the kids. It's unfortunate but its the way things are. Being a realist helps, because dreams only get you so far. Everything in this life worth having requires hard work and sacrifice (unless your mommy and daddy are rich).

I would hope that noone looking at flying for a Regional Carrier or Major carrier or any Publicly Traded Company actually thinks the MGMT gives two craps about them or their families, because the cold hard truth is that Money Talks. They only care about you if it affects the BOTTOM LINE. It's cynical, but its life. Soooo, if its not your cup of tea, do something else like join the Red Cross or go Military.

 

Excellent post! I have started to stay quiet about this colgan fiasco for lack of will power. These people think it is great that they have a job and are flying an airplane gaining experience FOR WHAT? so they can have a career? THIS IS A CAREER!!!! You might as well forget that the majors exsist. BEing hired at a regional is no longer a stepping stone that can be counted on. There are THOUSANDS of pilots waiting for jobs at a major right now. Many of those pilots have thousands upon thousands of hours more then any newhire at colgan will have.

You are justifying a job making 20 thou a year when you are a professional? Go work at Home Depot! You will make more money, be home more, spend less commuting, and you will get weekends off a whole lot quicker. The people accepting the job, willing to work for 20 grand a year and almost zero work rules... is as close to a mockery of this profession as one can begin to describe. Thats why people are upset at Colgan and even more bewildered by the ignorant, self entitled attitude of "we will make it better" that is seen on these forums. It is not OK and it will never be ok. Your about as much a professional as the guy flipping fries at mcdonalds for the SAME pay. Wake UP!

 

If someone is going to take the first job offered, at the very least find out about their indentured servitude program, aka 'training bond'. These can be enforced and can put unhappy F/Os out thousands of dollars.

Again, no opinion on Colgan. But be sure you have all the facts before you sign on the dotted line.

 

Hear hear!

 

Last time I checked, most of us did NOT take the first regional job offered to us. If that were the case most of us would have been Colgan or Mesa pilots first.

The fact is, MOST of us waited for a regional with a decent contract and pay. That is the fact.