I think you're only committed to the company if you accept the money. If not it's no obligation just like some of the other cadet programs out there; meet with the company leadership, maybe get a current pilot as a mentor, get a more inside scoop for the company etc. But as soon as you take any money, it's more concrete and they sorta expect you to come to them. Idk how buying yourself out of any of that works but if you're just interested and want to see behind the scenes, then there's no penalty for being apart of them!

I've talked to a few Mesa pilots irl, on here, on social media. Most came from military flying and used the transition program to get their foot in the door, and they all honestly seemed like genuine, cool, and honest people. None of them tried to sell me something and all were very upfront with what could be better, what to watch out for in training, good/bad/ugly, etc. I think the opportunity to see things that aren't straight-up recruiting elements and meet the people you'd work your trips with is a good measure of if you'd like it there or not. I'm not a Mesa cadet, or anyone cadet, but I have had numerous buddies and IPs go to various regionals and I like to think I have a mild idea of what most places are like. For me Mesa being UAX and having IAD as a new hire base sold me for the last year or so, and now things are changing which is exciting. You never know who is going to be the next big thing