Considering Mesa- Advice?
 

I'm an older corporate guy (50) just laid off. I've decided I'd like to finish up my flying years in part 121.

To cut my teeth and learn, I am considering starting at a regional for a few years. I live in Houston, so it seems to me that being based here is best for QOL. Mesa now seems somewhat competitive for a Houston regional- bonuses and reported upgrade times are attractive.

I hear lots of regional guys complaining all the time. Its tough work for little pay. I get that. My goal is to buckle down, learn and go Major in a few years.

Words of wisdom and advice are appreciated.

Probably work out fine if you really want to.

Sounds like you have a plan, and Mesa would fit perfectly for it.. if you didn't have a plan. And you were going to Mesa for no reason but they called you inwould have a different answer.. But you seem to know what your doing.. Just dont let that plan turn into a 15 year Mesa career....

Sounds like Mesa would be a good fit for you. It is true that even with the new contract our pay and work conditions are palpably lower than those of other regionals, but if you live in Houston, Mesa might actually offer you enough benefits to outweigh the cons. Living in base is a significant advantage and realistically your other option for IAH is ExpressJet. ExpressJet has a considerably better contract, but I don't think is enough to justify commuting to reserve; you will not get IAH immediately at ExpressJet and their reserve time is considerably longer than Mesa's. Right now, Mesa's only E-175 base is IAH, so you don't even have to worry about getting displaced to another base or anything like that, if you get the E-175 the only option is home base for Houston folks ;). Now, everything seems to indicate that it is just a matter of time before another E-175 base is opened, but I would say that even if they announce that today, it will be at least a year before it materializes. So I would say, set your expectations accordingly and come over. The flying is good here, almost everyone is friendly, and right now most hotels are decent.

So is Dfw all Crj-900s only right now?

I'd apply now to all the majors, LLC's, and Kalitta before Mesa with your experience.

Santos- Thanks so much for the detailed info. I've got an October 18th class date for now- Still finishing a few 135 interviews to complete my due diligence, but I think Mesa is where I will land.

Yes, that's what I am told. Faster upgrades on the CRJ, plus an extra $2500 sign bonus. They estimated 14 month upgrade CRJ, closer to 24 months on the 175. With Majors hiring going like it is, would surprise me if upgrades are quicker. Will see. The $22,500 bonus is a nice incentive so long as you save some for year 2.

I've got good flight time, good leadership experience, but haven't finished my degree yet. Now that I've paid for 4 bachelors degrees (kids) and a Masters (wife), its my turn:-)

Seems like the non-major-majors start around the same as Mesa, but with no bonuses. Plus, for now, I don't want to commute.

Ultimate goal is SW or United. Perhaps in 2 years, I can have the degree done, and a few years of 121 on the resume as well, perhaps even 121 PIC time.

I'll check this airlines out though to cover my bases- thanks for the reply.

For what it's worth. Just saw the pay rates Spirit management proposed to its pilots. They are above Allegiant and Jet Blue rates both FO and CA and are on par with Southwest FO rates.

2nd year FO rates are higher than 16 year CA pay at Mesa.