Originally Posted by
Av8tor0773
I'm weighing my options and trying to rank order which regional to choose - did my first interview and got a CJO, I suspect that I will get an offer from each that I'm considering. I'm interested in some feedback on Mesa.
I won't be able to attend training until November (retiring form military) so I know a lot can and will change - but where things are now and some thoughts on then would be great.
about me - I live in Austin, will have to commute unless I can get IAH or DFW. I have 4700 TT with 1300 TPIC (includes instructor time) in ME TurboProp (king air).
What is reserve like - is it long call or ready reserve and what is a conservative guess on how long on reserve. Also, what is flying time like on reserve - i'll likely have to commute, maybe not, but if I do, I don't want to be on reserve somewhere and not flying - I hear this is happening a lot a Envoy.
How is training / QOL?
How long for upgrade? (I have 500 hours in creditable from military toward the 1000 hour requirement)
I'm not really considering WO because flow in 'who knows how long', if ever, seems crazy to base a decision on.
I've been considering (and some of the reasons why):
TSA (BIG bonus 35K after IOE, 15K at yr one; short reserve if any, and reserves are flying, quick upgrade).
XJT (27K bonus upfront, i'm told quick reserve if any)
RAH (all EJET, fly for all 3 mains, pretty reputable and seemingly growing company, IAH an option) - but have no idea about reserve time - QOL seems to be good based on what I read on APC.
Mesa (AA/UAX flying option, DFW and IAH and option)
Thanks in advance!
I’m currently at Mesa, been here about a year on the CRJ.
All your questions really depend on a few things (base, equipment, etc).
So CRJ side - we have DFW, PHX, IAD (though they are throwing the E175 there soon). You’d most likely be sent to IAD initially, it’s kinda hit or miss. Good thing is there is no reserve there. I got a line first month. If you wanted DFW and didn’t get it the first time, it’ll be only a couple months before you got it. Once you’re kinda living in base, life is great. And realistically, upgrade is about 14-16 months. It all depends on how much you wanna fly. But at 1000 hours you’ll upgrade and most people fly 800-900 hrs the first year.
E175 side, they currently only have IAH, but soon it’ll be in IAD. There is a little reserve time, but it’s not terrible, and since that’s the United side, there’s a decent flow program to United with the aviate program.
All in all, Mesa is a good place as long as you don’t make it your end goal. Get hours and go, because the pay sucks and there’s just too much opportunity out there. Also, you do get to pick your airplane here. Hope this helps.