Check this out! I did some digging and pulled up some old employment pages. This is from about 10 years ago (1998). How times have changed...

Location:
Minneapolis, Detroit, Wausuau, WI

Starting Pay:
$17.00 per flight hour
(increase after 6 mos/annually therafter - paid classroom training)

Position Qualifications include:

• FAA Commercial License (AMEL) with instrument rating
• First Class Medical (current within past six months)
• Driver's License with good driving record
• Vision correctable to 20/20
• High School graduate, college preferred
• 1000 hours minimum TT
• 100 hours minimum ME
• 75 hours minimum in last 90 days

Mesaba has contracted with Comair Academy to conduct initial screening for potential first officer condidates. Applicants must complete a technical evaluation through Comair to be considered for an interview with Mesaba. The cost of the technical evaluation is approximately $350. Applicants that successfully complete the evaluation, may be called in for an interview with Mesaba at a later date. However, successful completion of the evaluation does not guarentee an interview. Applicants may contact Comair Academy directly to schedule and evaluation - 1-800-678-7265