Look kids, I have been working around Mesa (and the effects it caused) for longer than you have been flying. I have seen how Mesa operates since the beginning,and I am telling you that it has always been that way, and IMO always will be.

No one goes to Mesa for the contract. They go there for the quick upgrade. As a pilot group, Mesa's pilots have continually made the "deal with the devil" to accept a lesser contract in return for growth opportunites. Period.

I am betting that you both have been at Mesa just long enough to think you know what you are talking about. Think again.

I reallly doubt if you even know what happened with Centennial, Apsen, WestAir, Air Midwest, Allegheny, or Crown... So the more recent examples of CCAir (probably still too old an example), Air Wisconsin, or Atalantic Coast Airlines will have to suffice.

Plain and simple, you replaced other regional carriers (even in situations where that carrier was owned by the major airline) ONLY because Mesa cost less than the original carrier. Where exactly do you think that cost savings (in comparison to the other regionals) comes from...? Cheaper office supplies...?

Yeah, I have heard the same fluff about how "this time" will be different, but trust me, it never is.

Because the Mesa pilot group is more interested in getting jet time, or an upgrade, or a transition into a larger aircraft than they are worried about improving work conditions. Faced with the threat of reductions, downgrades, or even stagnation they have and IMO always will choose to improve their pay and working conditions with growth rather than contractual improvements.

It is easy to see why, improve your "own pay" by upgrading into the left seat, by flying something larger, by getting off of reserve... Just let those that hire on behind you take care of themselves... Blah blah blah. No one will admit it, (especially the real senior Mesa pilots) but that is why you have the contract you have.

I do not see what you are getting all defensive about. I really doubt you signed onto Mesa because you thought it would be a great place to work. No, I am guessing you heard they have a quick upgrade, fly lots of jets, and you can base throughout the country... Why would your priorities differ from the pilot group as a whole...?

IMO your pilot group will make a few token improvemtns this time, but nothing too big. Although you do not see it right now with the recent expansion, by 2007-2009 there will be a couple of chances for Mesa to continue to grow, or to shrink in size/scope. You pilots will talk a good talk, but when it comes time to vote, IMO the majority will choose more CRJ-900 flying over accepting a downgrade and/or displacement.

Say what you want, but history has a way of repeating itself, and chances are better than not that for Mesa, it will.