Compass or Pinncale

[[email protected]]

Compass or Pinncale? . . .. or Colgan?

Got offers from Compass and Pinncale - which would you choose? I've got about 4000 hours, lots of Part 121 CRJ time but need PIC time. I'm going to a new airline because I want to upgrade sooner. What's the reality of the upgrade time at each? Pinnacle said I can upgrade within a few months - is that what's really happening or does it take a couple to get the time, a couple months go get the bid, a couple to get a class, etc. Does anyone know about the training at these guys? Appreciate any insight! Also got offer for Colgan CA but not to keen on that - unless y'all have great things to say.

 

[DoinTime]

Lets see...Pinnacle sucks and Compass is a big unknown. Maybe try Mesaba?

 

[PCL_128]

A Captain bid for a newhire at Pinnacle is a career death-sentence. There was an 80% failure rate on the type ride in a recent class, and the overall pass rate has been about 50%. Not to mention the fact that Pinnacle is just a sh&^hole overall. Avoid Pinnacle like the plague. I agree with DoinTime about trying for Mesaba if possible, but Compass is definitely a better bet than Pinnacle.

 

[[email protected]]

80% is insane - what's the story? Were those low time guys, is something wrong with the training dept, or are they just playing with you? How many SIM sessions do they give you? More training details appreciated. I wonder how the Compass training compares?

 

[Andrew_VT]

Compass, pinnacle, or colgan???

Mesaba is hiring street captains and you're not considering them?

 

[Flyer1015]

Right now with Pinnacle, even if you have enough time to make it to Captain, they still want you to get 100 hrs on the line as a F/O (inclusive of OE). Then you can upgrade to Capn.

 

[johnsonrod]

I would go to Compass if you can get an upgrade in 6 months or less based on your time. The E170 is a far better airplane than the CRJ in every way from what I hear. Does anyone know what the upgrade time at Compass could be for a "high timer"?

 

[koepp]

I don't think they have hired anyone yet that does not meet the current upgrade minimums.

 

[Flyer1015]

Pinnacle's newhire pilot class that started today (Nov 5th Monday) had TWO people in it!

That's right, TWO people!


HEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAWWWWWWW!


SIMPLY THE BEST I tell ya, simply the best!

 

[PCL_128]

How many were scheduled?

 

[Flyer1015]

How many were scheduled?

4.

2 showed up.

 

[DoinTime]

I would go to Compass if you can get an upgrade in 6 months or less based on your time. The E170 is a far better airplane than the CRJ in every way from what I hear. Does anyone know what the upgrade time at Compass could be for a "high timer"?

I believe the prior post was correct in that they haven't hired any "lowtimers." If that is the case and everyone waits out for the flow up new FO's at Compass will not see the left seat for at least 2.5 years because they have already hired enough pilots to meet their total fleet need for captains.

How is the 170 better than the CRJ or any other modern jet for that matter? Does the cockpit air conditioning work better? Are the cockpit seats more comfortable? Those are about the only two factors I judge an airplane on. What else really matters?

 

[LITCHAT7]

or are they just playing with you?

EXACTLY! Definetly luck of the draw down there. Lot of egos in that training dept., like the "toyminator"......what a ********************n toolbag! He's pissed at the world since he continues to get turned down by Fed ex. Has NO business being in that position.

 

[Smarta$$]

For the love of God, NOT Pinnacle.

 

[Smarta$$]

Pinnacle's newhire pilot class that started today (Nov 5th Monday) had TWO people in it!

That's right, TWO people!


HEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAWWWWWWW!


SIMPLY THE BEST I tell ya, simply the best!

That should tell people something. We hire people as low as 200 hours and they can still only get 2.

I believe they are still TRYING to get 30 a class are they not?

 

[dondk]

In assisting a recent upgrade bust, the number told to me was 85% bust rate. The overall bust rate was still above 50%.

Are there a few guys in the school house who have superiority complex issues? YES, and it has not changed much in the last 4-5 years either. It has always been a good 'ol boy club and I doubt it will ever change. Every airline has something similar, Pinnacle is no different other than the higher bust rates.

The company wanted 30 per class/100 per month for new hires. I don't think they ever hit that target, came close once or twice but the backside washout usually knocks that down a good 20% and at one point hit 50% of the new hires washing out.

 

[arthompson]

I believe they are still TRYING to get 30 a class are they not?

Actually no. They want 48 per month with a class starting ever week. Thats 12 per class. However I think 2 is Fing Funny!

 

[727RedTails]

When they are trying to upgrade low time pilots into the Captain seat I am glad they are tough. They will be flying with 200 hour pilots in the upper midwest in all kinds of weather. Personally, I felt it was comparable to the other 5 type ratings I have. If the pilots are ready and proficient they will have no trouble with the upgrade.

 

[Speedbird34]

Do not listen to everything you hear on this site. Lots of people getting great expereince at Pinnacle and moving to the major airlines.
Pinnacle is a better bet than Mesaba. Jet PIC has more value than prop PIC. No major airline flies props. So jet pic is more desirable.

 

[TurboAWD]

Hmm.. tell that to all the XJ Saab guys that went to Southwest.

Pinnacle does suck.

Turbo