I think the date is about Oct 2000 now. 9/11, loss of the Avros, NWA / Mesaba bankruptcies, etc. resulted in major staffing (pilot) cuts and little advancement for years. All this trauma results in an unusual situation: a group of long tenure high time experienced FOs and Captains. As high seniority pilots move into the CRJs, the new Captains will have lots of SAAB aircraft and route system experience - ideal for a new FO to fly with. I doubt you will ever see "street captains" at Mesaba.