Originally Posted by
boilerpilot
The important number to look at is FOs or CAs per a/c. That's why I wouldn't go to Mesaba as a direct entry CA, the reason they don't have enough CAs is because none of their FOs have enough time to qualify for ATP mins. I think a lot of people are going to get bumped down to FO or lance CA or at least ride reserve for a couple years because while that FO was below you time wise, he or she is above you seniority number wise.
Wow that is the most inaccurate post I have ever seen. Of the 786 pilots mesaba has, 520 have been on property for at least two years. 400 out of the 520 have been on property have been here for SEVEN years. As of January of 2007, I would bet my entire net worth that an AVERAGE Mesaba FO's flight experience would equal that of a combined regional crew (CA and FO) of any regional out there (ex. AE). I would also bet that a Mesaba crew at that time would rival any Major crew as far as experience wise. The reason they are not CA is because of seat lock and QOL, not lack of quals. Most of us could be CA's now, there is more to the process than upgrading at the first chance. XJ is not a junior airline.