Saab to Q400?

brewpilot

Well-Known Member
How was the transition for you other Colgan guys out there that have made the move? Positives and Negatives. Thanks a bunch.
 
When I was in training in Manassas there was a Q class in the next room. The only complaint I heard from them was the lack of FMS Training. The manual is huge. You will need a dolly to roll it around! I got the impression that the training was no biggie.

If Saab class didn't kill you then it only made you stronger anyway!
 
I never flew the Saab, but the transition from the Beech was a breeze. From what I understand of the Saab, you'll have no problem with the systems or limitations (the systems are all computer controlled and the limitations are pretty much "if it ain't red, it's ok).

There is a dearth of FMS training, but the Universal is a very basic FMS...just spend a few extra minutes on the CBT at the training center and then a few extra minutes pushing buttons in the sim and you won't have a problem. It's actually surprisingly easy. Beyond that...land with power, don't flare, and you'll be fine.

It's a really easy plane to fly. V1 cuts are a complete non-event. Good luck, have fun, and don't worry about it!

BTW, is your emp number greater or less than 7200? :D
 
He is about a one year later hire than 7200. In all honesty I would not consider coming over the the Q unless there is a benefit such as no longer commuting or an easier commute or if you will be able to be top 15 or so in the EWR FOS (which you are not.) It is a good airplane but not worth the seatlock unless there are other benefits besides a different plane.
 
I thought prior to starting class you had to complete an online FMS training course?

Either way yea, I dont see why any FO who doesnt live in the EWR already would want to go to the Q. Youre going to upgrade back into the Saab, not the Q, and even if you did upgrade into the Q you would be pretty junior as that plane is pretty effing senior.
 
You don't upgrade into the saab if your in the Q. Where did you here that?

Im just thinking logically. I know the hourly requirements to upgrade into the Q are much higher than into the Saab. I know I wouldnt bypass an upgrade into the Saab to wait for the Q time with our FO payrates.

The Q is extremely senior, and there are Saab captains waiting right now to go to the Q. So when they need some CAs in the Q theyll just transition a more experienced guy and upgrade an FO to the Saab spot.

For Q-400 Captains current competitive requirements are 3200 hours total time and 1000 P.I.C. in the SAAB, BEECH or equivalent for transitions, or 1,500 hours in type for upgrade. For SAAB Captain the time is 2000 with 1000 in type or equivalent. Time in type will allow a reduction in the total time.
 
You don't upgrade into the saab if your in the Q. Where did you here that?

Where have you been Brewer? You upgrade into where your seniority can hold. If you meet the requirements to upgrade in the dash 8 and have the seniority to hold it then you can bid it. At this point however it will keep you right seat for a few extra years. The career progression at Colgan for the forseeable future will be FO in any equipment to Saab CA to Dash 8 CA. As of now we have 1 FO who could bid Q captain provided he meets the mins, he is the number 1 FO in the CJC system. We have three guys now that are late 06' early 07' hires that are selected for upgrade in the saab.

Did you think that us dash 8 FOs were going to sit around an extra 2 years to upgrade just because of the plane we are flying?
 
Just for the pure entertainment value, I'd love to be a fly on the wall when some "home-grown" low-time Q F/Os go to upgrade in the SAAB! Now, that ladies and gentleman will be worth the price of admission to see that!
 
What, you mean all the limits arn't 100% in the slaab? :crazy:

I'd tell most people to hold on to your panties soon... somethings a brewin - and if we do in fact bring 15 Q's online in the next year.. crap is gonna get moving again.

I doubt there will be any Q fo to CA upgrades soon... the 3 Beech guys and street CA's in the bottom of the list caught a lucky window, and would not hold it in a bid now. Hell, we're so CA heavy it's not even funny... way not the normal Colgan... and I hear more are coming?!?(CA's) I hope were getting new airplanes soon or 50% of our CA's in the Q will be sitting reserve lines
 
What, you mean all the limits arn't 100% in the slaab? :crazy:

I'd tell most people to hold on to your panties soon... somethings a brewin - and if we do in fact bring 15 Q's online in the next year.. crap is gonna get moving again.

I doubt there will be any Q fo to CA upgrades soon... the 3 Beech guys and street CA's in the bottom of the list caught a lucky window, and would not hold it in a bid now. Hell, we're so CA heavy it's not even funny... way not the normal Colgan... and I hear more are coming?!?(CA's) I hope were getting new airplanes soon or 50% of our CA's in the Q will be sitting reserve lines

Well its not true on the Saab side. They had to have an IAH Saab CA come sit reserve up in Dulles. My sister said they have been scrambling lately for Saab CAs.

The ITT limits that you use on the line are not even taught in ground school, and are not even on our chart. The first I heard of 850 was flying with a Beech guy who used that as his cruise setting.
 
I thought prior to starting class you had to complete an online FMS training course?

You do, but it is UTTERLY USELESS. It teaches you almost nothing of practical value (certainly nothing that will make sense yet) and absolutely nothing about the ACARS which is the more complex side of that box. You'll learn the FMS in the sim.

You're absolutely right about the transition...it's not going to get one to Q CA any quicker than staying on the Saab would, and if anything will just delay their upgrade all together. I wouldn't have transitioned to the Q as an FO if the Beech had stayed around! It's a fun airplane, fun flying, and really nice to not have to work at all, but I wouldn't really call it career advancement unless a) EWR/Q schedule improves your QOL, or b) you just really want to fly a Dash.
 
Where have you been Brewer? You upgrade into where your seniority can hold. If you meet the requirements to upgrade in the dash 8 and have the seniority to hold it then you can bid it. At this point however it will keep you right seat for a few extra years. The career progression at Colgan for the forseeable future will be FO in any equipment to Saab CA to Dash 8 CA. As of now we have 1 FO who could bid Q captain provided he meets the mins, he is the number 1 FO in the CJC system. We have three guys now that are late 06' early 07' hires that are selected for upgrade in the saab.

Did you think that us dash 8 FOs were going to sit around an extra 2 years to upgrade just because of the plane we are flying?


How do you know me?? Anyways, the Q is the future of Colgan. I just want to be there and ready for when the exciting stuff starts happening. The commute should be better to. I am living in CMH, and the Q overnights there, so having an opportunity to over night at home, better airplane, glass time, eventually better pay, sign me up! Thanks for all the advice though
 
Well its not true on the Saab side. They had to have an IAH Saab CA come sit reserve up in Dulles. My sister said they have been scrambling lately for Saab CAs.

The ITT limits that you use on the line are not even taught in ground school, and are not even on our chart. The first I heard of 850 was flying with a Beech guy who used that as his cruise setting.

Rob,

I know you didn't say YOU were flying like that, but...

As your ALPA LEC 156 Chairman- I urge you not to divulge those details on the internet. If you operate the airplane at those temperatures and you lose an engine. Be VERY doubtful if anyone here can help you out. EVERYONE needs to operate the airplane according to the policies and procedures set fourth by the company and FAA. Otherwise- ALPA isn't going to be able to help anyone.

Email me at any time with further questions...

brett.smithling@alpa.org
LEC 156 IAD/LGA/BOS NE SAAB
 
Rob,

I know you didn't say YOU were flying like that, but...

As your ALPA LEC 156 Chairman- I urge you not to divulge those details on the internet. If you operate the airplane at those temperatures and you lose an engine. Be VERY doubtful if anyone here can help you out. EVERYONE needs to operate the airplane according to the policies and procedures set fourth by the company and FAA. Otherwise- ALPA isn't going to be able to help anyone.

Email me at any time with further questions...

brett.smithling@alpa.org
LEC 156 IAD/LGA/BOS NE SAAB

Oh no, it's charted -3 for me.

However 850 isn't a limitation in actuality. I personally can't find the # anywhere. The only limitations I know of are the ones on the chart shown in
the limitations section.
 
Oh no, it's charted -3 for me.

However 850 isn't a limitation in actuality. I personally can't find the # anywhere. The only limitations I know of are the ones on the chart shown in
the limitations section.

While it may not be in the CFM- it's in the engine lease agreement with General Electric as defined in the "Power by the Hour" program.

Maybe our Air Safety Committee will ask the company for this information so we have it in the books.
 
How do you know me?? Anyways, the Q is the future of Colgan. I just want to be there and ready for when the exciting stuff starts happening. The commute should be better to. I am living in CMH, and the Q overnights there, so having an opportunity to over night at home, better airplane, glass time, eventually better pay, sign me up! Thanks for all the advice though

STPS.....
 
Just remember, no matter how hot she looks, somebody somewhere is sick of putting up with her crap. Even if she's shinny
 
yep, they become just another airplane really quickly, and quality of life is what makes a difference.. I personally would go the route that offers the quickest upgrade, and right now I would guess that would be on the Saab.
 
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