Frequently Asked Questions

 

·        What major airlines do you have contracts with?  Colgan Air has code-share agreements with US Airways, United Airlines and Continental Airlines.

·        What type of aircraft does Colgan Air have?  Currently a fleet of 59 aircraft including (15) Bombardier Q400’s, (40) Saab 340’s and (4) Beech 1900’s.  We anticipate that the Beeches will be phased out by November 2008.

·        Is Colgan Air currently hiring pilots?  Colgan Air is currently hiring first officers for the Saab 340.

·        What are your minimum required hours?  1000 total hours with 100 multi-engine hours

·        How much are first officers paid?  First officers in all three aircraft are paid $21 per flight hour for the first year, $26 per hour for second year

·        Is it possible to transition from the Beech to the Saab or the Q400?  Yes, after a year as a captain in the Beech or Saab, you are eligible to transition to the Saab or the Q400 as a captain, based on seniority. 

·        How much are captains paid?  Beech captains start at $32 per flight hour, Saab captains at $40 per flight hour, Q400 captains at $52 per flight hour

·        How many hours per month am I guaranteed?  75 hours per month

·        Approximately how many hours will I fly each year?  700 – 900 hours

·        How often is training held?  There is usually at least one pilot classes per month

·        Where is training held?  Ground school is held at our training center in Manassas, VA.  We use Flight Safety simulators at LGA, STL and HOU.

·        How long is training?   Approximately 6 weeks, 5-6 days per week

·        Where will I stay during training?  Company arranges lodging, double occupancy

·        Will the hotel be paid for?  Yes, Colgan Air will provide hotel accommodations and you will have transportation from the hotel to training

·        Am I paid during training?  Yes, you are paid $50 per day that you are in class

·        Am I required to sign a training contract?  Yes, you will be required to sign a one year $16,000 pro-rated contract that is strictly enforced.

·        When will I find out where I will be based?  You will be assigned a base towards the end of ground school, bases are awarded by seniority, which is determined by age within each class

·        Am I responsible for purchasing my uniform?  Pilots are required to purchase a uniform package at an approximate cost of $600.  Colgan Air will take monthly deductions from the pilots paycheck to pay for uniform, if desired.

·        What is a typical schedule like?  Schedules vary.  4 days on, 3 days off is typical.

·        Are there overnight trips?  There are overnight trips with Continental out of Houston and Newark, however in the Northeast you will generally be home every night with the exception of TDY (temporary duty assignments)

·        How long does it take to upgrade from First Officer to Captain?  It typically takes about 18-24 months in the Saab.  Upgrade times may vary depending on company growth, attrition and current hiring needs within the industry

·        What is required to upgrade?  Upgrade is a privilege and eligibility is based on seniority, total time (2,200 hours for Saab, 3,200 for Q400), time in type (1,000 hours) and your overall personnel record.

·        Does Colgan Air have hiring agreements with other airlines?  Yes, Colgan Air has a preferential interview agreement with Continental Airlines (mainline)

·        What is the future projected growth for Colgan Air?  Colgan Air has a history of solid, steady growth.  After a brief slowdown, we have begun hiring again.

·        How many employees work at Colgan Air?  There are approximately 1,300 total employees, approximately 500 of which are pilots

·        What benefits does Colgan Air offer?  Colgan Air has a solid benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage.  You are given a $25,000 life insurance policy, which you can increase.  You can also take a policy out on your spouse or children.

·        Do you have a 401(k) plan?  Yes, you can contribute to our 401(k) plan after one year of employment

·        How much vacation do I get?  You will get one week of vacation time after a year and two weeks after two years

·        What travel benefits will I receive?  You will get travel benefits with the airline that you fly for (United, Continental or USAirways).  Your spouse, children and parents will also be entitled to unlimited travel on a stand-by basis.  As a pilot you will also have jump seat privileges through the CASS system.

·        How do I apply?  Resumes can be emailed to Cathy Angelo at cathyangelo@colganair.com or apply online via our website http://www.colganair.com/ or through Airline Apps at http://www.airlineapps.com/