I want to say hello to everyone first and introduce myself (being my first post). I live in the SoCal area (cant wait to get outta here) and currently fly out of Long Beach. I come from a family with a long line of Aviators. My grandfather was a DC-6, DC-7, 727 and DC-10 F/E for 40 years with AAL. My dad, currently a UAL 737 cptn (ex National and Pan Am pilot). My goal since age 3 is to continue the aviation legacy in my family (because I love to fly). I graduated with a degree in Exercise Science and went into the field in SoCal and I absolutely despise the industry. There was never a day that went by that I didn't want to fly. So anyway, enough of that crap.

The reason I am posting is because my father is calling me almost every other day to tell me about him jumpseating with a Mesa, PSA or Skywest pilot that is or knows somebody that was hired with 300 or less hours. He called me the other day and told me about an F/O who, after a year of flying with PSA, had a TOTAL TIME of 700 hours. Amazing!!! I just wanted to let everyone know (which I am sure most of you do) that the hiring minimums posted on the regional airlines website doesn't mean jack squat. From what I gather, if you have 300 hours and a pulse, you can fly for Mesa. This seems a like a great way to build time! Now, I have skimmed the forum and I see that there are some people who absolutely despise Mesa and others alike. I am sure I will feel the same way about them after a year of flying with them (if I can tolerate it). But it's a great way to get my foot in the door, build some jet time and apply to Netjets (my ultimate goal). I've got a buddy that flys for them and he absolutely loves it! The company actually sends ther pilots an xmas gift and a thankyou card for being such outstanding pilots. So, this is the end of my babbling. Praise, comments, grilling....All welcome. Nice to meet you all!

 

It is true that MESA hires people with 300 hours, but those are people enrolled in MESA bridge program. I'd say you are on the right track with your goal or maybe even in a better place than those MESA guys. MESA upgrade is 7-9 years. You don't wanna get caught up in that long process cause it won't look good if you go to MESA and than decide to leave. I totally understand what you are going through right now. Flight Instructing wears you out after about 6 months. I'd say just hang on there untill you meet minimums for some one good such as Express, Skywest etc cause than later in the long run you will be ahead of those MESA guys since you will be able to upgrade in about 2 years. The sooner you upgrade the sooner you can go to majors. I know 17 people that fly for Express, they all love it. I know 8 people flew for MESA, they hated it and 4 of them ended up quiting because they couldn't handle MESA. Once you quit from an airline it's not good cause than no one wants to hire you thinking you will do the same to them.

[email protected] is my emal if you wanna contact me. I'm about to start flight instructing in Long Beach too at Aero Aviation.

 

Funny you should mention that. A few of the F/O's that my dad talked with had their multi-time on a cessna 310 and a Seminole. I know the guy that flew the seminole had only been flying for a little over a year and a half. Granted, the other guys may have gone to the mesa program but with 40 f/o's that quit last week, I'd say they're going to get desparate. As far as quitting before upgrade, I'd say most people are safe; I think most airlines (chief pilots) understand that Mesa blows and would be most impressed if you could stick it out for a year or two. Also I sent you an email. Maybe we can go fly sometime if you like.

 

Hey, I thought I'd chime in too... I've been considering Mesa for a while, but had no idea the bad rap they have until coming here. Do you guys think it's really as bad as everyone says it is? I don't personally know anyone that works there, so all my knowledge and information is third party stuff....

 

Diver. I get all of my info about Mesa from my dad who talks to these guys all the time. It's true, they stink. 9 out of every 10 mesa guys he talks to says it stinks. The positive side is it's a way for people like you an myself to get into a flying job with low hours and build some jet time. Almost every mesa guy he speaks with says the following: "Tell your son to send in his application when he gets his commercial and multi-engine. He is guaranteed an interview, maybe even over the phone." If you want something like Horizon or Skywest then stick it out in the FBO for another year or two. If you want a job now and start building lots of time, send the resume to Mesa tomorrow!

 

Mesa will probably hire you with a wet ME commercial and a pulse...sucks for the folks who paid $80K to get the same job through their pilot academy! But you don't really want to work at mesa as long as burger king is still hiring....

 

Hmm... that's an idea... I just got typed on the deep frier!

 

Got a friend who just got picked up with MESA with 450TT, 70ME. Kinda bothers ya when ya see how mins have gone from what they used to be, down to what they are now.

Diver, need a FO for the deep frier?

 

Good for your friend...She can get the hours / PIC time and move on...May have to take abuse for a few years but it will make her stronger...

-LAFF

 

Ya, BK is taking street captains, but FO's are free to apply.

Minimum Requirements:
Be at least 15 years old
Must have pushed at least 10 microwave buttons in the last 3 months
Learner's permit (Driver's license preferred)
Able to speak (English preferred)
Have a pulse (Blood pressure optional)



I agree with you LAFF, it would probably be great experience. I may throw in an app and see what happens.... still not sure if that's where I want to go or not...