So, asking those who've been there, how did the group interview go?[/quote]

To answer your question, the group interview was interesting here in Chicago. It was a sign of the times getting tough in the industry. There were furloughed pilots from some other regionals, older corporate pilots, CFI's, and fresh kids right out of specialty flight schools. Guys flew in from all over the place. The recruiters told us that they usually have about 20 people at group interviews, but I saw the sign in sheet at 49.

We were not able to do the full interview because there were just too many of us, even after the 50 question ATP test that they gave (the test weeded out about 10ish). Since the recruiters don't usually deal with a crowd that big, they did not have enough people to conduct the HR/Technical interview. I know what all the MESA haters are thinking right now, but if they attempted to interview everyone, I might still be there waiting for my interview. But, they will be flying us out to PHX to finish the second part of the interview.

After the test, for those of us left, they gave us the standard death by power point. For those who passed the test, they will be able to come to an interview later. I had my interview already scheduled prior to the group interview in Chicago, so I was able to keep that date and will only have to take the HR/Technical part.

As for the amount they are looking to higher, they said they are looking for about 20 a month for the next couple of months at least to fill the junior CRJ bases (JFK, DCA, and ORD). The recruiter was frank w/ us and said that there are guys from United and Air Tran, who have been sending in resumes, and they will have the edge obviously. The chance of that happening on a large scale is likely slim considering it is MESA, but who knows. But, he did say since they are the only airline taking people right now, they are loaded with resumes, so they can be selective at this point.

For what it was worth, it was interesting to see how they talked about the airline. I have been on this forum for a few months now, and it is obvious how many people feel here. I do have to say that I have friends in the industry, and they have given me advice, and I digested it. I feel that people have to walk their own road. Not everyone is young and willing to CFI till ya die. There were some older people there, some with families. Everyone is different. Some are lucky and have the time to kill when they are in their early 20's and have their youth in front of them, so you can be selective and wait until some great regional comes around to higher you...others are a bit older, and have to do "what ya have to do" sometimes. I hate to sound like an old man, but there are some things you have to do, even though its not your number one choice. I could tell there were some in that crowd that needed to make ends meet, and being a CFI just doesn't cut it for some...

And I agree with some of the other dudes on here, if you don't work for a company, and you just hear things second hand....who are you to judge? Form a real opinion after you see it for yourself. Maybe some of you have seen and felt the ass pain of what is going on, or what has gone on, but please leave your negative attitude off the board for people who are actually interested in MESA. After being in the military, I learned that you can knock other branches and the way they do things because of things you may have "heard"...some people may not mind doing things that don't appeal to others. At the end of the day, there is still a paycheck, and for those of you who don't exactly mind "working" for a living, its a J-O-B...sooner or later there will be something bigger and better if you pay your dues.

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