Question for Colgan Saab pilots

[cubiclehater]

Just wondering how long to expect for reserve and what a typical week's schedule looks like. thanks.

 

[dh82dvr]

1. I think at most bases there are no reserve lines. You will probably get a few days per month reserve on most lines.

2. Generally 3-4 on and 3-4 off. Again depends on which base you are at. Some bases will have 4 lines at about 80-85 hours and 14 - 16 days off.

 

[CoolSidePillow]

There is hardly any reserve. You may sit a few days per each month's schedule but very few reserve lines. That usually only happens when they have too many pilots for a position at a given base but it is very rare. Since starting I have averaged about 75 hours a month flying time and about 90 hours a month in pay credit. As a captain they work me like a dog.

 

[fly22]

How senior is Houston?

 

[CoolSidePillow]

Houston is pretty senior. They hired heavily to meet the committment so the FO's are pretty much settled there. Actually they have plenty of captains too. Like any other base it is a waiting game for captains to move on or fo's to upgrade.

 

[joepilot29]

What's the most common base for a new hire FO? I am about to apply after I get my ATP written and my passport out of the way. My concern is having to go out west, I would rather stay on the east coast. But beggars can't be choosers. Thanks in advance.

 

[CoolSidePillow]

dont worry about passport and written. you have a year from hire date to complete ATP written. get in and get a seniority number. that is what matters. most of the hiring will be for northeast due to the contract with United. need to add a few planes in 2 more bases and need pilots. Houston is fat with pilots right now.

 

[joepilot29]

Thanks for the info. I am already scheduled to take the written this week to get it out of the way. Same with the passport. I think I will get it in another six weeks. I was checking out the route map and noticed ORF as a saab base. I would like to stay in southest VA or DC if possible. But I realize you do have to go where they need you.

 

[CoolSidePillow]

ORF is really tough base but again FO's move so much either cause they go to fly jets someplace or upgrade so even if you dont get it right away really good chance you can get there eventually. ORF is one of the better bases. Dont quote me but I would say you will be in Northeast as opposed to Houston. Some bases to stay away from when you bid are ALB, JHW, JST, BUF, ROC. All the rest of pretty good flying lines and pretty good hours.

 

[Regul8r]

What's up with those bases?

 

[CoolSidePillow]

those bases dont have very good flight times. you work a lot of days for low pay credit. and ALB is just a pain in the ass to work out of. MX base as well.

 

[BRA]

those bases dont have very good flight times. you work a lot of days for low pay credit. and ALB is just a pain in the ass to work out of. MX base as well.

I've seen a base with low flight time and bad days off turn into one with good flight time and more days off the next month. That can be pretty random. Or it can close and you're screwed. And then you need to quit and get an RJ job.

 

[Al Coholic]

BRA,

What are you doing playing on line?? Shouldn't you be getting ready for your first flight in the 150 seat hot rod??

I see you're in for a tough 1st day.... You get to cross the Rockies and then get the old slam dunk into FAT all in one day!!! At least you have a good crew....sort of.:laugh:

 

[BRA]

BRA,

What are you doing playing on line?? Shouldn't you be getting ready for your first flight in the 150 seat hot rod??

I see you're in for a tough 1st day.... You get to cross the Rockies and then get the old slam dunk into FAT all in one day!!! At least you have a good crew....sort of.:laugh:

It is hot rod. pretty cool. Saw a lot of the country in one day.

 

[Snaab]

...Like someone earlier said, get in and get a seniority #. There is plenty of movement. I got hired in early July and started on line in early September. I initially got Johnstown (JST), but am getting Manassas next month, which is close to home. Didn't even take 2 months.

Most guys in my class that wanted to change bases quickly did already or put in enough time at their initial base to hold weekends off or just fly better lines. Hardly any reserve at any base. Sometimes they'll TDY you somewhere right after training.

Some bases are better than others for sure. JST ain't great, but been here just over a month and can still have weekends off! Good luck to you.

Snaab

 

[Snaab]

Bra,

I caught you, err Billy Idol, in Baltimore last month. Got a guitar pick from Stevie Stevens. Bitchin' show!

Snaab

 

[Alaska82]

Alright Chis you got Minasshole congrates. I got Houston Intergalactic. Yea

 

[Snaab]

Sean Till Dawn, whaddup!? So you got Houston, huh? Good deal!

 

[Alaska82]

Yeah buddy. Where the beer flows like wine and the women instictively flock like the salmon of capistrono, I'm talkin about a little place call asssspin. I doono floyd the french are assholes.....

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

What are the best bases for commuting purposes on the Saab side of the house?