AirTran Advice

[ShyFlyGuy]

Ugh, I'm tired of hearing the back-and-forth on SIC jet vs. PIC turboprop on the Regionals board. So I'm going to come straight to the majors and ask for the advice of the pros. I've got the opportunity to either go to Colgan, with their new expansion in Houston (quick upgrade in the Saab) or ExpressJet (3-5 years on the right seat of a jet). I've got lots of TT, almost all PIC, and 2600 in a C-310R I've built while attending school durring the day and flying cargo at night. I'd like to get the required 500 PIC 121 to meet AirTran's requirements so I can start bugging the crap out of them.

What say you, oh wise ones of the Majors Board?

Colgan or ExpressJet?

Thank you in advance. Please don't flame if I said something wrong or offensive, I'm just looking for advice. Thanks.

Shy

 

[j41driver]

Ugh, I'm tired of hearing the back-and-forth on SIC jet vs. PIC turboprop on the Regionals board. So I'm going to come straight to the majors and ask for the advice of the pros. I've got the opportunity to either go to Colgan, with their new expansion in Houston (quick upgrade in the Saab) or ExpressJet (3-5 years on the right seat of a jet). I've got lots of TT, almost all PIC, and 2600 in a C-310R I've built while attending school durring the day and flying cargo at night. I'd like to get the required 500 PIC 121 to meet AirTran's requirements so I can start bugging the crap out of them.

What say you, oh wise ones of the Majors Board?

Colgan or ExpressJet?

Thank you in advance. Please don't flame if I said something wrong or offensive, I'm just looking for advice. Thanks.

Shy

If your goal is to get PIC 121 then you already have your answer. Good luck either way.

 

[jetdawg]

if you have the total time and you are looking to get on with Airtran go where you can get the PIC the quickest. I have been here for awhile so I am not sure if they like to see the jet time or not. I am sure someone on this board may know.


I do know that you do want the 500 PIC121 time. I know there will be Airtran bashers about the time but they want it you need it.

 

[English]

Based on the goals you have posted, go Colgan.

 

[NEDude]

I fly for a small Beech 1900 operator and in the last few months we have lost pilots to AirTran, UPS and Southwest. Based on what I am seeing here, it is still 121 PIC that gets the job, not jet time.

 

[jetdawg]

I must ask a question about another post that you made. Did you not have a expired medical and the fed's found out about that problem. How did you get a job at 2 companies with that on your record. I would worry about fixing that before you worry about PIC time.


Just curious

 

[BSkin]

Having come from Colgan, I would say go there. They are expanding and upgrade time will be much quicker. PIC is the key, in no matter what aircraft you get! It won't be the greatest of jobs, but what regional is.

 

[fuzzy077]

Shy...the burp on your record wont matter when you interview at AirTran. I also had an FAA warning letter on my record when I interviewed and got hired. It makes for a good story in your interview if nothing else. They seem to hire more people from 121 outfits than anything else. As a matter of fact, I cant think of anyone who has come over from the fractionals. I'd stick with Colgan....they love the 1900 drivers for some reason over here.

 

[islandhoper]

I got hired at AirTran last year. Came straight from a 1900 operator and had no jet time at all. Now I have a bunch of friends from that same company getting hired here. It is, and always has been a matter of PIC (121) and never jet time. To me the jet time only adds pretty colors to your resume. (which makes you competitive on certain instances)
A friend of mine has more than 5000 hours jet time (727) but only 500 PIC; he has been unable to get a job with any national or major airline here in the US.
Think wisely though, if you don't get on with a major right now, you also want to find a nice place to wait it out...
Then again I think you should take the leap of fate and go for the turboprop PIC... It WILL take more than 500PIC to get on with AirTran though. Botom line: turboprop is very welcomed here...




Best of luck

 

[BSkin]

I'd stick with Colgan....they love the 1900 drivers for some reason over here.

That's because it's flying at its best! You go into these po-dunk airports in the middle of winter, or any time for that matter, and are happy you get in. Fly eight legs in IFR the whole day. I can only wish I was the same pilot, skill-wise, a year ago, than I am now. Starting to fly the approach phase with all the bells and whistles off -- hard to get used to.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

I must ask a question about another post that you made. Did you not have a expired medical and the fed's found out about that problem. How did you get a job at 2 companies with that on your record. I would worry about fixing that before you worry about PIC time.

Dawg,

Yeah, I flew for 45 days after my medical expired on accident. The FAA gave me a certified letter and put it in my file, to be removed in one year if I keep a clean slate. I'm three months from that point.

Before people get too judgemental, read up.

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=32504

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

Shy

 

[BSkin]

I read up on it earlier today, never saw it originally. Very tough times you've been in the last year. My condolences. Didn't even catch until your previous post. But, to the subject, PIC 121 is what you want, as quickly as you can! I know people that have gone the rj route, can't blame 'em. But, if you want to sacrifice a little for a year (while FO), or so, a place like Colgan, you will benefit in the long run! PIC time will be yours quickly.

 

[On Your Six]

Colgan - and get there as fast as you can. Seriously - get the PIC time and don't look back... Good luck.

 

[capt. megadeth]

I agree with everyone else.......COLGAN and PIC.

 

[AV80R]

Agree

Quickest way to PIC = (in your case) Colgan = quickest way to AirTran, Southwest, and others.

Ps. Don’t worry about your “medical issue,” I read all the previous posts and it really sounds like a non-event to me. Once you get your 500 hours of pic it’ll be off your record anyway. I’d still mention it during your future interview though, just to be honest. The recruiting manager (SG) is a great person and she’s very people oriented; I’m sure she’ll understand you made a mistake, learned from it and moved on. Btw, don’t wait for the 500 hours to apply, make sure you fill out the online application now (I think it’ll accept your profile even without the required pic time, not sure though). Wish you the best, good luck and hang in there, it’ll get better…
av80r

 

[terrehautesux]

ATA hired without the PIC but now some are furloughed and it's hurting them not having the PIC time. Some of these guys came from TWA where they worked on big jets for many hours but no PIC. Now they are having a tough time getting on with the profitable carriers (SW, Airtran, JetBlue and probably the future Virgin Am.) Bottom line--
They want Turbine PIC. You go get it.
They hire Captains. Go be a Captain.

 

[hmmm]

Who is S.G. ?

 

[fletch717]

No, All resumes that meet AirTran mins are forwarded to the VP of Flight Ops. He then tells SG who to call for an interview.

SG is the main HR person for pilot recruitment at AirTran.

 

[Ty Webb]

No. Three pilots who are part of the Training Dept. select the interviewees. The final list is sent to the D.O.

Lately, they have started posting a list of upcoming interviewees.

 

[j41driver]

Lately, they have started posting a list of upcoming interviewees.

A buddy of mine recommended me....How/Where can he see this list to see if I'm on it? Thanks!