Originally Posted by
Ski Patrol
Most guys think they are getting a jumpstart on their career by attending the mesa training program. Here is a few things worth considering.
1. You will get your 1st part 121 job quick no lie about that.
I would say no, you wouldn't. It's about 18-20 months for the average person to go from start to finish, zero to hero in the ab initio program. That's a lot of time compared to other programs. Reference ATP's 90-day program, or even a self-paced program could do zero to CFI/I/MEI in 6 months or less. With the lack of CFI's at most areas around the country you could easily be 1000-1200TT within 18 months of starting flight training. You've spent less money, and have quite a bit more hours which makes you more marketable to companies other than strictly Mesa. You could go freight or regional.
2. Then you will watch many former CFI's or Cargo dogs beat you to the left seat. By the time you have the necassary hrs in your logbook to upgrade to captain the CFI's and C-dogs (who have the same seniority) will be applying elsewhere with triple the amount of PIC on their RESUME. Remember PIC is everything, OK that and who you know.
I would say this probably isn't the case most times. Maybe at SkyWest right now (for the EMB) but not most places with a 2, 3, or 4+ year upgrade time.
3. With most of your experience coming from the right seat flying with an experienced captain. Be ready to learn what CFI'ing is all about once the newbies start coming thru enjoy.
Some of the best captains I flew with as a new FO weren't CFI's. So this post would be N/A.
So I would conclude by saying MAPD isn't a good program in todays environment, but not for the points you raised.