colgan air???

God Bless the crew and passangers of flight 3407. I am a flight attendant for a charter airline and I am devastated for them...God Bless Cogan Air and all it's employees...

Prayers to the families of the crew and passengers! As a flight attendant for a regional airline that flies for continental this has hit us all hard.

My heart goes out to all the families and the Colgan Company, employees and owners. I am IAH based and flew many trips with Marvin, the Captain. He was not only a wonderful man but a GREAT pilot to fly with. He will be missed terribly. My prayers are with all. Joni

Our hearts to all the families of the victims. I know that the employees are all taking this really hard.

For the record, as I saw it asked prior to the accident and is bound to come up, the open house in Newark on the 18th has been cancelled, and Colgan is not currently hiring for FAs right now.

Capt. Marvin was absolutely the nicest man. I just spent my whole hot reserve with him a week ago. I can't believe he's gone.

I worked for Colgan and they made a lot of promises at the interview and when you went to training is when all the real information came out, if you want to work for this company as a flight attendant for the money you better work elsewhere, you work an average of a 160 hours a month and your lucky you get paid for 64 of those hours, these are short connecting flights and you only get paid from push back and til the main cabin door comes open! and you do a lot of overnights! you will either work on a saab for us airways or Dash 8 Q400 for continental!

My prayers go to the victims family on flight 3407

Our main focus should be sending out prayers for everyone. This tragedy has affected hundreds of family members and they need all the love, support and prayers they can get.

As for interviewing you are guaranteed 75 flight hrs a month and a minimum of 10 days off a month -- there is no such thing as getting paid for only 64 hrs unless you called in sick or missed a trip -- End of story those are the only 2 items that are promised in interviews.

Maybe we should concentrate on our the loss of our 2 superstar FA's - one of which her last words leaving the crew lounge to a Capt was "I love my job". Read Matilda's story on the front pages of how she let her family know how much she loved her dream job and how she was interviewed the same day as the other FA Donna, they went to class together and graduated together and flew the line together and they both loved there job - at Colgan Air. Lets give them the respect and honor they so much deserve and lets learn from real heros and superstars and maybe even try to carry their legacy on. May God continually bless everyone today and always.

Im not here to argue with you I have a great job at Delta and I do feel sorry for the families, but I worked at Colgan air and I know what hours I worked!

Well said "Bluebird"

Colgan does guarantee 75 hours pay whether you fly 40 hours, 60 hours, etc. and if you go over guarantee then you are paid for that flying time as well, but you always get 75 hours pay per month and this is definitely NOT the time to be dwelling on those types of things. It is the time to be caring, loving, supporting and praying for ALL touched by this unfortunate accident. I knew the Captain well. He was a great man, loved his job, wasn't always complaining about work and a very competent pilot. May the Lord give comfort and strength to all right now.

"Maybe we should concentrate on our the loss of our 2 superstar FA's - one of which her last words leaving the crew lounge to a Capt was "I love my job". Read Matilda's story on the front pages of how she let her family know how much she loved her dream job and how she was interviewed the same day as the other FA Donna, they went to class together and graduated together and flew the line together and they both loved there job - at Colgan Air. Lets give them the respect and honor they so much deserve and lets learn from real heros and superstars and maybe even try to carry their legacy on. May God continually bless everyone today and always."

I know its a rather minute detail..but they did not interview together..they did meet on our bus ride up to alb...i have seen so many weird stories about matilda..like she was supposied to be flying to work a flight to vegas but got switched to buf instead...and this was all from her supposed boyfriend...very weird

Facts not correct in many stories regarding media. We should just stick together and pray together -- life is very short and we never know when it could be you, your family or loved ones. Lets stay positive, focused and united especially as crew members.

I had a freind that was a flight attendant on US Airways 427 a boeing 737 that went down a few miles from my house in Hopewell,PA there was 132 lives lost that day and I know what it feels like, especially so close to home and knowing someone on that flight, so my prayers go to co workers, friends and family members of the victims on ColganAir flight 3407

Hi everyone:

I have made a memorial forum for Flt / 3407 so your thoughts can be shared
and not in the main forum room. So pls. use it when you have somethng to say. This is so sad for us all..

www.indeed.com/forum/job/Flight-Attendant/COLGAN-MEMORIAL-FLT-3407/t129405

JET-nyc in Manhattan said: Hi everyone:

I have made a memorial forum for Flt / 3407 so your thoughts can be shared
and not in the main forum room. So pls. use it when you have somethng to say. This is so sad for us all..

www.indeed.com/forum/job/Flight-Attendant/COLGAN-MEMORIAL-FLT-3407/t129405

Has anyone read or heard anything from the Colgan FA in Va. Beach? She used to post here fairly often. I haven't gone too far back to see when she last posted but she's been in my thoughts & prayers since the tragic crash in NY. Sure hope she's OK and maybe just taking a break right now. In the meantime, if you read this in Va., send a short note to let us know you are OK.

Hey all. I'v been reading the boards for a little while now, and I have to say how astonished I am at the negative energy from some of you.

Especially those complaining about the pay. You were all told how it works,(and yes, you are guaranteed 75 hours a month) plus the ability to pick up extra flights. My guess is that the "children" on this board don't want to do the extra work to make more money for their first 6 months.

I know those extra flights are hard to get, but how many of you are offered flights you won't take because they're not your first choice, or because it doesn't fit your "party" lifestyle.

I see this kind of stuff all the time. If you want more money, go make it. otherwise, find another profession.

Amen! Well said! Everyone knows you don't go into the FA profession to get rich! It's a lifestyle, not a job. When I was flying, there wasn't a day that I didn't get up, eager to board the plane, meet the pax & do my job. I loved it...EVERY trip, EVERY day! EVERY flight brought it's own rewards & challenges. I had to a be a problem solver & think fast on my feet...no sitting when you are a FA!
I can no longer return to a 9-5 job sitting at a desk, staring at a computer screen. I have jet fuel in my veins, as they say.
I would jump at the opportunity to return to flying, take the extra trips & be happy I had a job I loved. Have the folks who tend to complain all the time tried to find a job in this industry lately? Guess what? There aren't any! Be grateful you are employed & get a pay check every two weeks!
There is rarely any such thing as the "perfect" job!

As several have said before, all of the info re: pay, etc. is FULLY explained at both the open houses and in training. A few items of correction:
1. YES, you do have to buy your uniforms, but NO you don't pay for them up-front (at least not at Pinnacle). About a week before you finish training you will order uniforms. Your choice is to either pay all or part upfront, then pay the rest by payroll deduction over the next 6 months.
2. Like it or not, reserve is part of the job. If you're low on the totem pole, you'll sit reserve. In my case, I sat reserve (MEM) for 2 months. I've held a line ever since (about a year and a half). Things have changed...the economy is down, people aren't flying as much, and some of our flying has moved to the Delta side of the house. Because of that, 9E is not currently hiring flight attendants, and those who are currently on reserve are staying there for a very long time. Don't blame the company for that. They (the company) have a choice...either keep an excess number of FAs on reserve (in the hope that flying will pick up in the future) or furlough them. At least we still have jobs.
3. Even if you're on reserve you can pick up open time on your days off. It's a way to make extra $$.
4. Finally, let me say that I am not a union-joiner, and I think the current union at 9E sucks (USW). Having said that, the contract USW negotiated is what we have to live with. READ IT! It's explains all of the things both FAs and the company need to do to comply.

Thanks Merita. Loup, do you have a link by any chance?

just an update about a few things with COLGAN - for one, yes, you're guaranteed the 75 hours regardless of what you work - anything over that is extra pay - IF you hold a reserve line, and you pick up open time, you STILL have to fly more than 75 hours to get the extra pay
as for the uniforms - they are payroll deducted - 35.00/paycheck (you get paid on the 5th and 20th of the month) until its paid off - after you are with the company a year you get a 200 dollar uniform allowance PLUS 50 dollars towards shoes - submit the receipt for the shoes and you get reimbursed although if you chose to itemize on your taxes, it could be better for you to claim it on your taxes instead of getting reimbursed -
as a 3 year veteran of colgan, i've learned the ins and outs of the company - you wont get rich nor will you hardly make ends meet, but its a job you do because you LOVE it - not for money - when its in your blood, you'll know you can never do anything else...also, the lines are low hours, the choice was to either furlough people or keep us working even with low hours - atleast we have jobs!
and lastly, negativity is something that needs to be taken elsewhere - as with ANY job, there are aspects that you may not like - if you dont like the job, go elsewhere - the bottom line is that negativity feeds off of you and onto the passengers and its the passengers that are paying our salaries - bottom line!

I agree pennelope. People also have to keep in mind that the low hours are not forever.

If people hang in there for a little while, it should improve as the economy picks up.

Inflight...what link are you speaking of?

What are you guys talking about with the low hour lines? Maybe you're on the Saab? The Q lines for EWR are great.

Colgan is a great company to work for. To the people here bashing Colgan, why don't you just leave if you don't like it? Stop using the excuse that you can't get a job anywhere else because of this recession. NOT True! I love walking in the crew room and knowing almost everyone on a first name basis.

The Q is such a great aircraft to work. Very flight attendant friendly and extremely comfortable for the passengers.

As for the flight attendants complaining about the pay, I don't even know why you bother! We start at $17.36, move up to $18.36 after 6 months, and then up to $19.36 after one year. Of course it keeps going up year after year. Do you research and you'll learn that most other regional carriers have LOWER pay than us.

To the poster complaining about how we only get paid from when the main cabin door is open until we open the main cabin door after landing- EVERY airline pays their flight attendants and pilots like that! Some regional carriers, like CommutAir, start paying their crew members when the wheels leave the ground!!! That means their crew members do not get paid for taxiing. As most of us know, EWR is known for their hour+ taxi times.

There is a reason why we are receiving 15 more Q400's with definite options for another 15 strictly with Continental. They are very pleased with us and what we have to offer. Stop complaining about every little minuscule thing. Thousands of people would give anything to be in your position. Appreciate the job you have. We have so many flight attendants that wake up every day and put their uniform on with complete and utter satisfaction. And I can guarantee they do not complain as much as some of you yentas do.

Well said!! From the heart and spirit of a true Flight Attendant!!
Very professional response with a little spice!!
Best wishes always!!

Check Craigslist for Info...

Open House March 18th at 10 am
Wyndam Garden Hotel
550 Rt. 1 South
Newark, NJ 07114

Does anyone know if Colgan will hire someone back that went through the training, but wasnt able to take the position? I loved the thought of being a F/A, but due to personal family issues I couldnt take the job, but of course since then I can. Kathy Johnson was the best teacher I ever had and I have a 2 yr degree. Next question I have uniforms that have never been worn, plus the coat and I just hate to see them go to waste, if you know someone that might be interested please feel free to email me danielledanny@hotmail.. Thanks and good luck everyone!

I'm pretty sure you would have to re-apply all over again. Sharon teaches the class now. You could always call Tammy in HR and see what she says.

New York, I think what someone meant about "low hours" are pretty standard for most regionals. Someone on here was complaining about only flying twice a month, which is something that I've never seen. That would be up to the individual if they didn't fly that much.

Thanks, yeah Sharon taught too when I went, but they had like 3 classes goin on when I went, Kathy is head instructor and I wish I could run into her again she made class fun and she is so very smart.. I want to wish everyone good luck, Colgan is a great company!

Update....I have been working for Colgan air for almost a year. I love working for the company. I love it is a small family feel. My seniority has gone up 30 spots in the last year. The training went well. The crew scheduling can be frustrating at times. We could use a better union- which we are working on. I feel it is definately a growing airline and there are things that need to be worked on however ...they do care and listen. If I were to leave this company it would have to be for better benefits. We dont have buddy passes and our CAL benefits are not that great....

What are CAL benefits?

LoupJr said: What are CAL benefits?

Continental Airline benefits.....even though we have pass rider benefits-they treat us (colganair) as new hires so when you try and get on a flight as an employee the senior people get on before you....this will always be. We (colganair) will be at the bottom of the list when trying to fly on mainline (continental) or (CAL) however you want to call it...

Same here at NW/DL. Even the most junior NW/DL employees NonRev ahead of us.

Hi all. I read this entire board back to the very first post and it's nice to see Saturn in the 7th (who was so thrilled to be selected from open house) still checks-in from time-to-time :)

I've been looking into trying to get on-board with Colgan. However, I really would like to work out of the Norfolk base. Is there anyone here that works out of that base?

I spoke to Tammy, but it doesn't sound like they will be hiring for that hub any time in the near future. The alternative is IAD. Can anyone tell me if jumpseating is allowed for FA's. Tammy said yes. But I'm wondering if she misunderstood me and was thinking was asking about non-rev'ing. It also doesn't sound like there are a lot of opportunities out of Dulles either. Are they trying to phase out the SAAB? I've submitted my application and am keeping my eyes open on the Open House link.

There is one Open House listed right now, but it was for yesterday in IAH (? I believe). I was told they were planning an April 18th class, but when I called to follow-up I was told that may be changing. So who knows?

Any help from you insiders is greatly appreciated.

TTFN~Robin

Former Trans States FA in Virginia Beach, Virginia said: Hi all. I read this entire board back to the very first post and it's nice to see Saturn in the 7th (who was so thrilled to be selected from open house) still checks-in from time-to-time :)

I've been looking into trying to get on-board with Colgan. However, I really would like to work out of the Norfolk base. Is there anyone here that works out of that base?

I spoke to Tammy, but it doesn't sound like they will be hiring for that hub any time in the near future. The alternative is IAD. Can anyone tell me if jumpseating is allowed for FA's. Tammy said yes. But I'm wondering if she misunderstood me and was thinking was asking about non-rev'ing. It also doesn't sound like there are a lot of opportunities out of Dulles either. Are they trying to phase out the SAAB? I've submitted my application and am keeping my eyes open on the Open House link.

There is one Open House listed right now, but it was for yesterday in IAH (? I believe). I was told they were planning an April 18th class, but when I called to follow-up I was told that may be changing. So who knows?

Any help from you insiders is greatly appreciated.

TTFN~Robin

Hi Robin,

To try and answer your questions....I know that ORF is a senior base and there is no openings there. They have some other FA's in ewr that are waiting to go back there. It is just not going to happen anytime soon. As far as jumpseating oh yes we fly in uniform for free on our (q400) planes. So if there is an openseat you can get home. As for phasing out the SAAB....I don't know but they continue to keep training classes for the SAAB for FA's I have not been trained and prefer to work with another FA SAAB FA's work alone...and I just asked if they are hiring again at ewr and was recently told there should be another open house this coming wed....just keep checking the website for updates or call the hotel and see if they rented space

There was an open house for the Q400 to be based at EWR yesterday. Check on craiglist.com, typing in "flight attendant" under jobs and it should come up.

Just to clarify, Colgan flight attendants do not get to Jumpseat on the q400. We can, however Jumpseat on all the saabs and we have agreements with several other carriers that we can Jumpseat on. Also, u do not have to b in uniform to Jumpseat. But it's a good idea. Professional dress otherwise.

Update in Del Rio, Texas said: Just to clarify, Colgan flight attendants do not get to Jumpseat on the q400. We can, however Jumpseat on all the saabs and we have agreements with several other carriers that we can Jumpseat on. Also, u do not have to b in uniform to Jumpseat. But it's a good idea. Professional dress otherwise.

in ewr (q400 fa's) we fill out jumpseat forms and fly for free on the q400 plane that we work on. AS long as there is space available.

saturn in the 7th house said: in ewr (q400 fa's) we fill out jumpseat forms and fly for free on the q400 plane that we work on. AS long as there is space available.[/Q'UOTE]

'Tis true. I do it all the time :)

Thanx girls. I think I took the long way around to ask my question, which was really intended to be this: If I can't fly out of Norfolk, my only other choice is Dulles, since I would already have a place to crash. I don't think I could fly out of Newark as I wouldn't want to risk not being able to get there as a junior FA sitting on reserve. Does that make sense?

So, I was hoping that they might be hiring for IAD. I REALLY miss flying. My boyfriends a pilot with Trans States and they have downgraded him (and 15 others) back to an FO, and they just furloughed 12 FA and 15 FO's. :( I need to get a job in case he gets furloughed too!

Former Trans States FA in Virginia Beach, Virginia said: Thanx girls. I think I took the long way around to ask my question, which was really intended to be this: If I can't fly out of Norfolk, my only other choice is Dulles, since I would already have a place to crash. I don't think I could fly out of Newark as I wouldn't want to risk not being able to get there as a junior FA sitting on reserve. Does that make sense?

So, I was hoping that they might be hiring for IAD. I REALLY miss flying. My boyfriends a pilot with Trans States and they have downgraded him (and 15 others) back to an FO, and they just furloughed 12 FA and 15 FO's. :( I need to get a job in case he gets furloughed too!

I would try IAD

I think they have some positions available in newark and houston. Check the website for the open house dates.

And guys, just so you know, it's always a good idea to be in uniform when your jumpseating or non-reving.

Also, I have US Airways benefits, and they're great! I can pre book flights with US Airways, and also get 8 US Airways buddy passes a year. From what I hear, the Continental benefits aren't that great, but I think it depends where you're based out of as far as how they determine which benefits you'll get.

I know with US Airways benenfits, there's no waiting for senior employees to book first. If you use the Colgan benefits, you have to go through that process, but that's entirely up to you, since you get both benefits.

A good idea for uniform when jumpseating but totally not super important when nonreving. Don't worry, you don't have to wear your uniform when on your way to vacation....business casual is totally ok. Regarding the jumpseating issue on the Q, yes, it has been allowed but we are not supposed to since continental owns all the seats on the Q. Broadcasting the fact that you do on a public forum is a great way to end a good thing.
Cheers!

For any of you who HAVE been able to jumpseat (for those of you who do not know what that is, it's being able to sit in the cockpit) it's an awesome experience. However, it does get uncomfortable very quickly!

As for wearing your uniform while using your benefits, I find you get less hassle with screening (as you don't have to comply with the 2 oz. rule) and you usually get mutual respect treatment while on board. My boyfriend and I flew to the Dominican Republic and they moved us to first class. Of course you can't drink in uniform so we had to decline the free drinks :( On the way to the Bahama's we got free headsets and comfort packs. It's SUCH a cool industry!

Former Trans States FA in Portsmouth, Virginia said: For any of you who HAVE been able to jumpseat (for those of you who do not know what that is, it's being able to sit in the cockpit) it's an awesome experience. However, it does get uncomfortable very quickly!

With Colgan the rule is as an FA when you request to jumpseat, you are requesting a cabin seat space available seat, not the flight deck jumpseat! Colgan FAs are not allowed to occupy the Flight Deck jumpseat on a revenue flight. The can occupy it during a repositioning or ferry flight. Also there is not an extra FA jumpseat on any of Colgan's planes. The SAAB has one FA jumpseat for the working FA and the Q400 has two, one for each of the working FAs. When jumpseating on planes with additional jumpseats, some allow you to occupy that seat, others put you in a cabin seat space available.

Also at Colgan, although we fly for UA, US and CO, we only get flight benefits for the codeshare at our base.

EWR = CO
CHO = UA and US
ALB = CO and US (if you're trained on both the SAAB and the Q400)
LGA = US
IAD = UA
IAH = CO

In my opinion at Colgan US (free and 8 buddy passes) has the best benefits, UA (still free, but no buddy passes) is next then CO (you have to pay $10 to list plus $2.50 per leg and no buddy passes).

Also wearing your uniform when non-rev'ing does have it's privledges, no wait in security lines, no 3-1-1 TSA rule. Some times when you get moved up to first class they'll tell you to go change, so that you can drink!

Have fun flying everyone!

many of these comments are so funny!!! ignorant posts... to anyone that believes you can actually find useful information on this forum, you have been punked...some of the comments make me instantly start rolling on the floor laughing my behind off!!!!! its so sad and sickening lolllllllllll I am on reserve and flew over 100 hours last month.. reserve is not that bad all you have to do is look out for open time and pick up peoples trips...I actually flew more than line holders and all those senior people.... its simple.. hustle.... its a job that I am growing to love more and more.... Always a smile on my face even during a 2 hour ground stop... its something you have to love to enjoy...

saturn in the 7th house said: Anyone know about this airline?

Never heard of it.

Hi Saturn in the 7th house, are you based out of EWR? You sound like you really enjoy what you do and it's great to find a job that doesn't feel like a job (wish more jobs were like that including mine). I'm writing because I respect what this industry is about and because I have family who work in the industry (even though they work in the islands . . . different region indeed). I wanted to know, for those who work the Newark flights, are the crews primarily from the same region they work in or can they be from any of the regions Colgan operates from? I ask because I wanted to track down a pilot/co-pilot of a particular Colgan flight out of Newark that I had taken once before. I don't know how to go about it except by reading/commenting on this blog. This was the CO3244 flight out of Newark on 3/27 . . . it was such a contrast compared to my return that was delayed 5+ hours and had me in an airport for almost 8 hours. If anyone, including saturn, can help please reply. Thanks :-)

Is any one going training on 04/14?

Hi Everyone, I know there are points in our lives where we reach out for help especially to those who we think can help. That’s the main reason why I reached out via this forum, because I think someone within the Colgan family can help me. My challenge is that I am not a “risk-taker” because of my fear of getting burned (call it past experience). I was too shy to do something that I should have had the guts to do from the gecko last week and because of my own fears I didn’t do what I wanted to do (even if it meant getting burned once more). If anyone who works out of the Newark airport hub who knows the pilot/co-pilot (not sure which position held, but he has short dark hair and is about 6’2”) of flight CO3244 that left on 3/27/09 for Toronto then please respond to this post (fear cannot be conquered unless it is faced). If anyone has been in my shoes when it comes to things that one kicks themselves for not doing then think about replying to my post. Thanks!

sueblue in Jersey City, New Jersey said: Hi Everyone, I know there are points in our lives where we reach out for help especially to those who we think can help. That’s the main reason why I reached out via this forum, because I think someone within the Colgan family can help me. My challenge is that I am not a “risk-taker” because of my fear of getting burned (call it past experience). I was too shy to do something that I should have had the guts to do from the gecko last week and because of my own fears I didn’t do what I wanted to do (even if it meant getting burned once more). If anyone who works out of the Newark airport hub who knows the pilot/co-pilot (not sure which position held, but he has short dark hair and is about 6’2”) of flight CO3244 that left on 3/27/09 for Toronto then please respond to this post (fear cannot be conquered unless it is faced). If anyone has been in my shoes when it comes to things that one kicks themselves for not doing then think about replying to my post. Thanks!

Hello, The best thing you might want to do is call Colgan to get the info. I don't think anybody will give that info out on a public forum. :)