Colgan Staffing question
 

Hey just wondering if any of you Colgan guys had any idea of how well staffed your Q's are? I've been getting phone calls and emails from chuck at an ever increasing rate since the beginning of the year... In the last voicemail, he was borderline rude, sounded kinda annoyed I hadn't called him back yet...

Sad he is that desperate for qualified people

That whole hiring process over there is bewildering to me. You apply, get an e-mail to call Chuck Colgan, rarely get a hold of him, when you do he asks a few questions, says he'll call back, then you get a e-mail to call him, can't get a hold of him, leave messages, he doesn't call back, then someone from HR calls who talks super fast and asks the same questions with no further explaination other then you should hear something, then nothing... It goes round and round like this.

I got a Saab type and 3500 hours on the aircraft, not on furlough, degrees, perfect record, etc. It doesn't seem like they're bending over backwards to get me interviewed or hired. What kind of experience do you have that they keep calling you?

Maybe they're like a twisted girlfriend who likes you more if you ignore them?!

I think they are lookin for Dash people now. Rocketman is a Dash guy.

Don't worry, you are not the only one. I've gotten a few e-mails already from Chuck telling me to apply via Airline Apps, which I have. I've also gotten a call from HR to give them a call, but all I get his voicemails.

They are probably overloaded with applicants and short staffed with HR people. Different airline, same story. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it...

Yep, same story. Been going on for 2 months.

It said they were looking for Saab F.O.s when I applied. Don't know why Dash guys would get preference.

Why are you applying to Colgan if you have 3500 hours on the Saab? Seems like a step down. Dash guys are probably getting preference right now since they already have the Dash 8 on their ticket. They might be "easier" to train.

Where would you suggest I should apply? Who's hiring? Very little going on right now.

I was just curious because you said that you were not on furlough. No idea where you work but would Colgan really be a step up? Again, just asking. Not trying to offend just trying to understand.

I've flight instructed and worked for 4 regionals (U.F.S., Mesaba, Eagle, AWAC) as everything from lav cart boy to captain. Inbetween I've done research at the university mostly on my own dime. Of course everytime I leave an airline to do research I have to start over somewhere else when I go back to flying. My timing usually sucks as to when I get back in. I'd like to get back in at the front of the hiring bubble this time.

I don't think of Colgan as a step up. I think of it as a side step. In the larger scheme of things everything in the regionals is a side step. Even if one regional is a better place to be than another regional at a snap shot in time, that will surely change. It's all an exercise in whipsawing and concessions. In the grand scheme of things over a large period of time all regionals are pretty much the same. Colgan has the advantage of being growing right now, however.

For me a "step up" would be doing contract flying on a regular basis overseas. I don't really see any pathway for me to step up in this country... only side step.

Besides, sometimes the ability and mentality to side step is a good thing. I have nothing to lose.

It seems like you have your head on your shoulders. I hope Colgan works out for you.

Anybody know when the next class date is? and if it's gonna be the Saab or the Q?

I think the last line may be the most correct. I've been called at least 10 times several emails. I haven't responed yet. I don't think I fit what they are looking for as far as I dont have Dash time just 1500tt 500PIC 1000SIC. I'm looking for a job but I just can't call them back. I know the first question they will ask is "Why do you want to work for Colgan?" and to be honest I just can't come up with an answer. What do I say to them??? Its a great company! (NOT) Great equipment(NOT) Great pay (NNNOOOOOOTTTTT) Great bases(NOT) Reasonable upgrade times (don't know) I mean if anyone can come up with an answer other then I need a job (I make more on unemployment then I would if I only made min at Colgan) I would love to hear it. My only guess for you OldSF3Dude is the fact that you have been several places looks like you would jump ship as soon as possible. I would rather be in your shoes with all the time and degrees but I'm not I'm on the Colgan radar!

I interviewed in La Guardia on the 8th. They were hoping to get a class together for the 20th, but they haven't been able to get those of us interviewed ready in time. The new class is May 18th.... I don't believe anyone has been called with a job offer yet.

There were several people who were told no thanks at the interview. Mostly they didn't do well on one or more aspects of the interview. I think there were about 10 that didn't pass the written test. I'm anxiously waiting myself for any news. I took the drug screen test (urinalysis) on the same day as the interview.... everything I've heard has indicated that is a very good sign... But, I also have not heard if anyone else has been called.

I had absolutely no problems with setting things up. I was asked to call Chuck in January, but I had a family emergency to deal with... Sent him an e-mail and he said no problem. He called me in March and asked me a few questions. Then said he would like to invite me to interview on the 8th. The next day I had an e-mail with my flight and itinerary. From my experience, they were very efficient and did a great job handling the initial contacts. The interview was a great experience, it was my first.

Bob

Do they make you take the written test if you have a current ATP written?

Yes, it doesn't matter any more. They used to allow you to waive the written, but I can understand why they do it this way now. There were at least two people who had their ATP written done that didn't pass the test. Don't know if there were more, but the written isn't something to take with a "I already know this" attitude. I took my time, and glad I did as I saw I got a 92 on it.... it is geared towards an attention to detail ;)

Bob

My guess is you don't have previous 121 experience and probably just recently took your ATP written?

If you've taken the ATP written several years ago and have been flying for several years, you wouldn't know some of this stuff and wouldn't get a 92, believe me! Do you think a furloughed Midwest, NetJets, etc. guy can pass the test with 80% without actually studying for it? I don't think so. I think it is a waste to have interview candidates take an ATP written test for the interview, but most airlines do it simply to weed out people who are not serious about the job and did not prepare.

Yes they do. Make sure you study, as there were several people that were asked to leave in my interview group (must score greater than 80%).

A few months ago things were looking a little touch and go with my current job, so I did an interview with these guys. Yes, it's not the best place in the world. That's pretty obvious. But I figured it didn't hurt to have another option in case I started getting desperate.

As far as getting the interview... I'm not sure why, but after I sent an app via CT350 it all came together fairly quickly. Chuck called a couple of days later, and requested I fill out the airlineapps.com info. Shortly afterwards I was invited to an interview in LGA, but had to reschedule for MCO due to a work conflict.

The interview was pretty straightforward but thorough. The Colgan staff were all actually very nice, and I more or less enjoyed myself throughout the two day interview. At the end, Chuck asked if I could join a class starting two weeks from then, but I couldn't as it was cutting it a little close with giving notice to my current employer. A few days later I was offered the 4/20 class. I did some serious thinking about it, and initially accepted it. Shortly after, things changed fairly dramatically at my current job. We're definitely keeping the plane, and it looks like I might have some pretty good opportunities in the short term future. It was just WAY too much to pass up (financially and other wise), so I notified Colgan that I was staying with my employer. They were pleasant about it, though I'm sure that bridge is burned... Which is really not that big of a deal to me, to be perfectly honest.

Anyway, the point of my rambling story is that sometimes heading to a place like Colgan is a tough but perhaps necessary decision, depending on your circumstances. I was lucky I guess, so I got to avoid having to really consider it at the last second. Those of you that can make that lifestyle work, my hat's off to you. I don't know that I'd be willing to deal with it.

May 18th huh? I interviewed in Houston on the 12-13th. Everything went really well and I can't see any reason why I wouldn't get an offer (fingers crossed!) I went all the way through to the drug screening and I'm sure those results are back by now. Are we waiting on background checks/PRIA paperwork to go through? I realize it's only been a little over a week, but I'd just like to know! (I'm trying to be patient, I promise!) Was their La Guardia/Houston interviewing for the class on the 18th or for one on a later date? Chuck told us in the interview that they'd soon be running 2 classes a month. I'm just curious as to when that will begin and when I can expect a phone call.

Anyone else out there waiting to hear?

I completely agree... and I am just as you say. The written test has basic knowledge items... It honestly does not have too many seldom used knowledge questions. There were no figures, no math.... some basic aerodynamic questions.

From the way the test was made.... I tend to think those who didn't pass it did not pay attention to detail. Just as an example... They had a lost comms question. Two of the answers contained correct wording, making them both correct. The difference was that one used a word at the end that made it incorrect. There were several like that.

I just think the test was not designed to be non-pertinent to those with 121 experience, but rather it was geared towards part of the HR aspect of the interview process. But, your probably right in that the main reason is to weed out those who don't put in the time to prepare.

Yeah, we are both in the same boat. I hear HR is really backed up now, and that is slowing things down. I bet they are waiting for all of the background checks to come through. Those can take up to 2 weeks to get back... as I understand. I feel confident about the phone call also... I wanted to post here to ask the same question.... Any idea when phone calls may go out. I've been told that it usually takes 3 days to hear a no, and longer means better things (no news is good news). I'm pretty anxious myself. They are going to run 2 classes a month. In my interview, they said there were 42 of us and they were going to take 16.

Bob

At the interview Chuck said base of choice should be available in about three months; can any Colganites confirm this? Is there a good chance I could get CRW soon?

Also, how long on reserve is expected during these times? What is reserve like? What are typical schedules / trips?. How many days off per month on reserve? lineholders?

Guess I should have asked more questions at the interview :)

Thanks for any info

email from alpa
 

Fellow Pilots,

The Chairman of the Colgan Air MEC, Captain Mark Segaloff, gave us a hiring update for potential Colgan interviewers. You should know that any furloughed pilots with Dash experience are most likely going to be given preference over the other part 121 interviewees. There is also talk of future Aspen flying. If you are Aspen qualified, make sure you make it very clear on your resume and application.

Also, the Colgan Air management has had some issues with some of the more recent former 121 furloughed pilots who were hired at Colgan (concerns over attitude and washout rates). We ask all furloughed pilots that no matter where you go to interview or start new employment, like it or not, you represent all of the pilots here at Mesa and could directly impact their impression and opinion of us. Please keep that in your mind. Luckily, that can also (and will often) work in our favor because we have some of the hardest working pilots in the industry with an outstanding work ethic. Please take these principles with you to whatever job you decide on in the future.

Feel free to email us with any questions, comments, or concerns.

In Unity,

Your MAG Furlough Committee

This makes me wonder.
So are their anymore rumors about getting a Denver base, I would jump on that if that were the case, I don't want to commute for 21k a year though.

* reserve is the worst thing speaking from experience... we hired a mesa scheduler, enough said, 5 on 2 off usually uncommutable. so much open time they wont put into lines that your always assigned day trips days in advance, and constantly getting junior manned a few times a month. your guarantee is 10 off a month,,, dosnt mean u wont be extended.

* lines are mostly 4 on 3 off.

* q400 is short on fo's due to attrition and people getting fired, they are having check airman fill the right seats

* you will NOT get your base of choice (more then likely)....ask everyone based in ewr on the 400...85% or more commute.

* only bases with new hire openings will be ewr, alb, iah, iad on both planes.

* doubt we will be going to aspen from iah, its a 3.5 hour flight, no wind, with 15 min taxi each side - add delays for wx, missed approach, mountain escape routes....unless they will be running it half empty. they say 800 mile range, i say 500 tops w full pax. if they do i can pretty much see one leg or two leg trips on houston long hauls = day trips / no per diem. not to mention noone here has real mountain flying experience except one or two who say its a real bad idea to head up there w capts in a brand new plane to them as well as the comp trying to obtain lynx profiles n such for the area. *personal opinion shared by quite a few and rumor

* it will be less then 21k, 14 or 18 your first year, maybe 21 your second w per diem.

* rumor is all saab outstations will be closing because of "cost" just like the q bases. alb, iad, iah will be it someday. when? no idea.

* denver / lax / tahiti (jk) base rumor is the next 15 q's goto united but they wont give us flying until contract is signed w pilot group, hence the reason its moving somewhat quickly cause management could lose this if they dont.

That doesn't sound all THAT bad, especially for a guy like me who lives in IAH already. I'm just wondering how long it would take me to get back to IAH if I got another base right out of training. As was stated earlier, Chuck said 3 months (give or take) in the interview last week. For me, I'd be happy with day trips and open time. Home every night? Can't complain since I was a commuter at my last airline...I know the lifestyle of commuting while on reserve. It's all about perspective, I suppose. If they did open DEN or LAX I'd be all for it, it would make IAH go junior.

Day trips are gone and not coming back. IAH will never be junior because there are too many of us who already put down roots here plus the main issue is that IAH has the lowest cost of living and that is a big plus when you get paid crap.

If you come here be prepared to get abused more than you could ever imagine. You will be scheduling's slave and it will suck.

Also, there will be flights from IAH-Colorado I have seen the CAL sheet with the destinations that will be served on it, and seasonal Colorado is on it

no its nothing horrible, all ill say is its not the bottom, but def nowhere near the top...good people though.

WOW sounds like your a perfect canidate! $14,000 first year or if it were a full time "normal" job that would be about $7.30 an hour just an FYI I think the minimum wage these days is $7.25. If you can except that......WOW. I have no doubt there are a bunch of great people there but.....If it doesnt sound bad???? Good luck you get what your pay rate is. Oh and before you say "at least its a job" I have a friend that has a janitorial service it starts at $8.00 hour set hours plus other benifits let me know.

Saabs (at least in IAH) are understaffed on FOs too. Yet, the lines are very close to guarantee.... very little overtime. So for first year pay, assume $21 * 900 hours/year = $18,900.

Doubt colgan will get lax/den flying in the q400 since skywest has last look at any new turboprop flying in the uax system. But who knows what would happen if there is a co/ua merger

Okay, I am new to 121 scheduling; Do I get 10 guaranteed days off or not? And those days off are at home base?(not on a layover somewhere?)

Wouldn't 18,900 be first year quarantee? and second year 23,400?

How long until able to hold a line with this movement?

Is most reserve with a 90 minute callout?

Normally with an airline, you would get 10 days off per month at home base. When you are on a layover it still counts as work.

$21 x 900 hours = $18,900. You may fly less or you may fly more. To find what you would make at minimum, multiply the monthly guarantee by your hourly rate x 12. So for example, $21 x 75 x 12 = $18,900. You would also get per diem added into your paycheck.

Gearmover - good point, actually its worse, trust me ive done the math ! 21 per hour x 75 hours month guarantee x 12 months a year (18,900) DIVIDED by hours away from home per month which is assuming 4 day trip line holder (best situation) 4 days times 24 hours per day times 4 trips per month = 384 hours gone divided by monthly guarantee (1575/384 = $4.10 per hour from the time u leave home til you come back) sweet huh...reserve is even worse.

flyjsh - sorry im out east but wouldn't surprise me !

aztec - yes you get 10 off home base unless you choose to pick up extra time but there's always a wild card of weather, a cancel, or a plane breaking down, so its not a hard guarantee. also youd make 18,900 if you started working january 1 of a new year, but if you start in June on the line youll only earn 75 guarantee for 6 months, I was talking as in tax terms per dated year Jan 1 til Dec 31

Trips begin and end in base, so your time off starts in your base. Reserve lines generally only have two days off in a row, so IMHO most commutes will only give you one night at home.

You are guaranteed 10 days off, but that does not mean you will actually get 10 days off. The company can "draft" you on a day off, or extend a trip into your days off. You will be paid for 3.75 hours for each day of the ten they take away (plus credit for any hours flown).

The only way to be sure to get your days off is to never answer your phone when the company calls.

Technically, after IOE you WILL be a lineholder, but as the FNG the line you will hold will probably be a reserve line.

The present "movement" is zero. The only way to get your seniority to increase, is to have the company buy more airplanes.

All reserve is 90 minute call out (with one rare exception that a first year guy will probably never see).

I have heard that before but haven't came across any documented information about it. Does SKW have it in their contract somewhere that they get first turboprop flying with United? Where is it written?
Thanks

Don't mean to contradict, but there are a couple new hires in IAH. But one should be ready for getting stuck in up-east h-e-double hockey sticks. Especially now that sucking up to the Colgans won't override seniority.

Just curious if anyone who interviewed April 7-8 in La Guardia has heard anything back?

No class date yet, but they brought me back to EWR the following week to fingerprint and told me to expect a class date soon.

Yeah...same here. The following week they had me do fingerprints and drug test. They were really vague on details. They said they couldn't get anymore people into the April 20th class because it was cutting it too close with paperwork. But someone else who interviewed on April 7th and 8th said they personally know of two people who interviewed the 7th and 8th that got into the April 20th class. For now, they were putting people into a pool for, what they said was, a May 20th class. But May 18th sounds more likely. Apparently they like to start class on Tuesdays.

I was fingerprinted and did the drug test the same day that I interviewed. That was the 8th. I understand that getting to take the drug test and fingerprinted for TSA was a good sign. But, I haven't heard anything sense. Did you all have to catch your flights home and not have time to do the fingerprints ect... on the same day?

Now, I'm even more curious since we all did the drug screen ect... Did you get called back to do those a second time? Just contemplating sending Chuck an e-mail because I was starting to wonder about how long it may take to find anything out?

Bob