Colgan or Key Lime
 

I just wanted to run a quick poll. Would you pick Colgan or Key Lime?

I am a long time CFI with no turbine time (2000 TT 800 multi). Both gigs have turbo props.

Key Lime hires navajo then upgrades to the metro in 12 months (both left seat).

Colgan hires right seat saab or Q with an upgrade between 18 months to 2 yeas.

Key Lime pays 25,000 on the Navajo and 35,000 on the metro.

Colgan pays 18,000-20,000 first year and then goes up to about 35,000-40,000 after the upgrade.

Which route would YOU go to get turbine PIC based on the info above and all of what we read on these forums?

Please no off topic discussions. Please pretty please!

Go for the one you don't have to commute to.

One more thing to consider - Which one offers better retirement?

I would rather play russian roulette with five in chamber. Anyways, a lot will say Colgan for the crm experience and possible quick upgrade. Others will say key lime for the schedule(weekends off I think) plus no commuting. Both have bad cons with not so many pros. Go with um colgan.

I have no opinion other than to say don't let Colgan's "18 months to 2 years" upgrade be a factor in your decision. I don't know who told you that, maybe HR? but you should never count on an alleged upgrade timeline, things change so quickly at any airline. When I got hired upgrade was 1 year give or take. I have been an FO for 3 years. Yes they have planes coming this year but those still lead to only roughly 80 upgrades. 80 upgrades go into the low 300s seniority number which is early 2008 hires. (There are currently about 450 pilots on the list.) And then after that unless guys start leaving (not until at least 2012 if that) or Colgan finds homes for those other Qs (who knows when and if) you will not upgrade.

I just wanted to run a quick poll. Would you pick Colgan or Key Lime?

Neither.

I am a long time CFI with no turbine time (2000 TT 800 multi). Both gigs have turbo props.

Key Lime hires navajo then upgrades to the metro in 12 months (both left seat).

They tell you the upgrade is 12 months, but what is it in reality? Even if you upgrade, be aware, there is an 18 month, NON-prorated training contract worth $7500, and you WILL pay very single penny and the FULL amount if you leave early. And you sign ANOTHER contract when you upgrade!

Colgan hires right seat saab or Q with an upgrade between 18 months to 2 yeas.

I doubt the upgrade time will be less than 2 years. Don't chase the upgrade, that's how we got stuck with crappy pay!

Key Lime pays 25,000 on the Navajo and 35,000 on the metro.

Sounds about right! Pay is $100day/5days week. $60/day during training, appx 3 weeks. Benefits after 90 days.

Colgan pays 18,000-20,000 first year and then goes up to about 35,000-40,000 after the upgrade.

You need to do your math again!

Which route would YOU go to get turbine PIC based on the info above and all of what we read on these forums?

People need to stop chasing the quick upgrade and the Turbine PIC. Let's say you do get that 1000 TPIC time, then what? Do you think you'll be able to compete with thousands of furloughed and current regional CAs that have several thousand hours of Jet TPIC time?

Please no off topic discussions. Please pretty please!


One thing I have learned in this industry is to never pick an airline/company based on upgrade time or bases, as they can change on a daily basis!

Interview at both and if they both make an offer think about what is best for you. Interviewing is an important skill and I think it is good practice, especially if this is going to be your first airline gig.

You may have a better idea of what works better for you after you spend a long afternoon interviewing with a company.

Does Key Lime still do the "pay to play" First Officer program where for 30,000 I can pay to be a pilot?

I agree with The Juice I would go for both. I do not say this as a personal attack but 2000TT and 800 multi is not a lot when you compair it too all the others on the street with more time and with pervious experience. If you are lucky enough to get an offer from both THEN worry about where you would go. The days of picking the airline you want are probably gone for a while I believe they may be back in the future but for now as a fellow pilot trying to HELP apply everywhere and interview as much as possible the practice will only help you. It isnt written that if crappy air offers you a job you have to take it. Good luck.

Which one is likely to earn you a permanent black mark on your license-can you say "flight violation"? Do your homework.

What do you want to do? Fly for a major, or pilot a Gulfstream?

If it's the Gulfstream, then go Key Lime. If it's airline, then neither.:D

Your rate of return on instructing is definitely diminishing with your total time.
Either one of these companies will pay you dividends in future opportunities and increased flying skills and experience. I loved 135 flying and it honed my skills in a way the airlines never could. That said, Colgan would be a better launch pad for the majors. Have fun whichever way you go.