Originally Posted by RJ85FO

Do enjoy your time before training. I know how exciting it is to be coming to your first 121 job and learning a new and more complex aircraft. I can tell you though, that there are two weeks of Indoc/General Subjects before you get into aircraft systems. You cannot bog down, even now trying to learn the airplane. We need your head clear to absorb the General Subjects material: Ops Specs, Customer Service Plan, Dispatch procedures, Flight Crew responsibilities, Non-Normal Ops, Security, Preflight planning, weather, alternate minimums, takeoff minimums, Charters, VFR, part 91 legs, Dangerous Goods, Passenger handling, cargo handling, weight and balance, performance calculations, enroute considerations, diversions, ground operations, winter weather aspects, international operations, Maintenance, uniforms, manuals, jepps, etc!!!!

You get the idea. The general subjects stuff is the stuff that can put your certificate at risk on the line. Landing after the tower closes and not having "approved" weather can land you in a LOI with the FAA. Not remembering what temperature the Duct Overheat light comes on at is not as critical.

I know this is free advice, and you get what you pay for, but I am going to say it again. Be free, enjoy life as it is now. Things are going to be much differnet as we shape you into a Mesaba pilot. Fun, exiting and challenging times are ahead. We look forward to having you, and we will help you get through training. There are lots of resources available once you are here.