Colgan Air- LaGuardia- July 27th

[SmitteyB]

I sent in my Airline Apps on July 4th and also had 3 CJC pilots email/call Cathy Angelo about me. I was called on July 7 for a July 27 interview in LaGuardia. Got a positive space ticket on Colgan out of Ithaca. Met the Colgan crew and told them I was going to LGA for an interview and they we're more than nice and accomodating. The captain even called Mr. Colgan personally to tell him I may be late.

After my flight was delayed, I arrived at Flight Safety and was immediately led into the classroom where about 10 other applicants were receiving the company introduction. In attendance from Colgan was the lovely Mrs. Velma Balentine (amazing lady, extremely nice), Mr. Chuck Colgan Jr. (extremely friendly) and two line captains. I was greeted by Mr Colgan and Mrs Balentine.

About 2 minutes after I sat down, we were immediately handed the written test. You must get a 70, Street Captains, an 80. NOTE: Refer to figure questions HAVE been added. 75% of the questions were weather, directly out of the ATP book. I don't want to list exact questions, because I want those after to me to study the entire weather section. Also had Jeppesen Approach plate questions, Low Altitude Enroute Chart Questions, and Takeoff minimums questions. Few questions about medical certificates, you have 45 mins to complete the test. I finished in 20.

If you get passed that, you go for the face-to-face interview with Mr Colgan and a line captain. General HR stuff- tell me a little about yourself. What makes your unique? What was the most difficult aspect of instructing? What are the memory items for an engine failure on takeoff? Critical Engine? Duchess have critical engine? Captain asked about VMC, Vyse, Prop governor, unfeathering accumulator. Asked about takeoff on hot, humid day and can't climb at Vyse, what can you do? Why Colgan? Accidents, violations, etc? Then they tell you to leave. You aren't given an indication WHATSOEVER if they like you. You'll think they hate you the whole time, they don't.

After that, I sat in the classroom for about 30 mins and then the other line captain came in (happened to be an instructor from my old school) and got 3 of us for the simulator. Full-motion B1900D. I wasn't in the classroom for the sim brief, so he told me I could go last. One person flew while the other worked radios, tuning/identifying/etc. Sim profile was Takeoff 16 HPN, climb straight ahead to 800, then a RT heading 320, maintain 3000. Some turns, then direct to the VOR, about 10 miles out he'll give you holding instructions, brief it correctly and you don't have to fly it. THINK BEFORE YOU TALK. Then direct HESTER LOM(NDB) and vectors for the ILS 16 HPN. Intercept, ride the glideslope down and breakout right at minimums and the sim freezes. Use your trim, make sure the non-flying pilot sets the power correctly. Looking for a STRONG, SOLID scan. After that we went back to the classroom and sat down.

The sim instructor came and talked to Mr. Colgan and told him which ones weren't good. Mr. Colgan then asked those who didn't makes it get their bags and come with him. If Mr Colgan doesn't ask to see you- then you're still in the game. Finger-print then sent to the drug test. Ask where the LGA Medport is before you leave, we wasted an hour looking for it. Got the call from Mrs. Cathy Angelo today and couldn't be more excited. Only company I applied to, only one I wanted.

They're hiring a lot, if you want it- it's yours to lose. Mr Colgan explainted that US Airways stuff is going to stay the same size, but he expect the Continental and United stuff to expereince more growth (beyond the Q400 in EWR).

I don't think I can possibly thank Airdale for his interview experience- it certainly helped me prepare. I only hope I can do for others, what others have done for me. Feel free to PM me about any questions that you think I might be able to help on.

Thanks Colgan!

[MSUDAWG]

Good job! I wish I had known you were up here. I guess thats the reason I saw Mr. Colgan the other day at the hotel havin a few cold ones bc he just finished interviews. Im in training right now at another airline and am staying at the Crown Plaza and doing sims at FS.....Anyway, CONGRATS!~

[Captain_Bob]

Congrats Smitty!

Bob

[surreal1221]

Congrats!

[mattp1803]

Congrats! Nice summary of your experiences.

[classg172]

What kind of times are they looking for street captains? Any idea which aircraft they are hiring into?

[Airdale]

CONGRATS brother!!! Welcome to the Colgan family! When is your class date? Beech or Saab?

If you have any questions or concerns about training, shoot me a pm with your number and I'll give you a call. Nice job!