In the past, Mesaba has had a training contract, and has even enforced it, although the Union stepped in and put a stop to certain company abuses (like going after furloughed pilots! Boy, that sure put egg on some corporate faces).

They still have the ability and legal right to have one now. It is possible that they might have dropped it to improve pilot recruiting (before the instant upgrades..)

I'll try to find out about this. If anyone else has the true word on this, please fill us in...