Mesa for DFW?
 

Currently a captain at a 135 with a less than enjoyable QOL. 4500 total, 900 jet PIC and just shy of 1000 121 captain qualifying time. CL65 type from a couple of years ago.

I live in Dallas, and I’m not willing to move, nor do I want to commute - did that once and don’t plan on doing it again. I am wondering if Mesa would be a decent choice. I have considered Envoy, but it is at least 6 months to hold DFW as a FO, and I would likely end up displaced to Captain and thus commute to LGA indefinitely.

Is DFW CRJ guaranteed out of training?

I understand there is an extra $2500 for having the CL65 type, when does it get paid?

I have also read that none of the bonuses get paid once you are qualified and hold the seniority to upgrade. Given that I will likely have the 1000 hours by the time I would start training, is there any risk of having the seniority to upgrade before the $22,500 payment?

The website says the $22,500 bonus is paid at the completion of training. Does that mean IOE?

How long are the training backlogs on the CRJ side?

How long is the commitment for the bonuses? Is it prorated? Is there a training contract?

How long to hold a line in DFW?

Is the CRJ paying 300% OT?

Any advice?

Many thanks in advance

Why not apply to Spirit and SWA? They have a DFW base.

Here's my opinion
 

Is DFW CRJ guaranteed out of training? Nothing is guaranteed at MESA. But you will have a good chance because the open time pairings run 20 to 30 per month at DFW, IAD and PHX. Don't know about IAH and SDF.

I understand there is an extra $2500 for having the CL65 type, when does it get paid? Not sure about this one.

I have also read that none of the bonuses get paid once you are qualified and hold the seniority to upgrade. Given that I will likely have the 1000 hours by the time I would start training, is there any risk of having the seniority to upgrade before the $22,500 payment? The $22,500 (before taxes) is paid two week after successful completion of IOE. You have to bid for Captain and it requires 1000, 121 time at min. and two current Captain recommendations that you have flown with in the past 60 days.

The website says the $22,500 bonus is paid at the completion of training. Does that mean IOE? Yes, see previous answer.

How long are the training backlogs on the CRJ side? Don't know exactly. When I went through it a little over a year ago, it took 3 months between INDOC and the beginning of my IOE training. My IOE lasted three weeks. My IOE Captain was ready to sign me off after two weeks but I wanted to fly rather than sit around waiting for a schedule. So I did a 4 day on, 3 day of,f 4 day on, 3 day off, 3 day on. After IOE I was off for 7 days and then went straight to the line.

How long is the commitment for the bonuses? Is it prorated? Is there a training contract? Yes, but I don't focus on these types of things. That's what lawyers are for.

How long to hold a line in DFW? Didn't wait long. Got a line right after completing my IOE. And, with two new based opening this year, I don't think there will be a lot of reserve time.

Is the CRJ paying 300% OT? Yes, picking up open time is paying 300% and it's been that way for almost a year. HOWEVER, this will no last forever.

Any advice? Yes, anywhere you go there are ups and downs. MESA, Envoy, Sky-West and main line all have their pros and cons. Wherever you go, it's about YOUR ALTITUDE and ABILITY. Keep it positive at all times and you will do well. Flying is the greatest job, I have ever had. Take it from a retired COP of 20 years. Best wishes.

I don’t know of anyone who is qualifying for the second $22,500 bonus. Don’t count on it. It doesn’t matter what jet you fly or base you are in.

You might qualify for your upgrade standing bid fairly quickly. Even though we didn’t upgrade anyone last month on the CRJ side, a March 2017 hire was upgraded in DFW in December. Or, currently, a 10 month upgrade with prior 121 time.

I'm trying, believe me.

I was just asking about the first bonus, after the completion of IOE. Given that I would be qualified per the regs, is it remotely feasible that I could have the seniority right out of IOE?

Thanks for the reply.

I don’t see it. You will be through IOE in 4 months from date of hire. Maybe, 5 months. I don’t see a 5 month upgrade. It still won’t take long at the rate of pilots departing for the majors or cargo carriers.

Hey, I bet he never thought of that. You know, AA has a DFW base, too. I wonder if he's applied?

Man I am in the same boat as you. Tough trigger to pull going to a regional, but if you have to, being based where you live would be the way to go

SWA base is DAL, not DFW

10 nautical miles difference. About the same distance between KIAH and KHOU.

I would be surprised if SWA would be interested without prior military or 121 experience. Spirit is hiring Mesa FO’s right now, so I would think he would have a chance there.

Some of my Mesa friends who are at Spirit aren’t too happy with the QOL cuts in the new TA.

So you would recommend Mesa over Spirit?

Is this really a question?

Not really. With the new TA, Spirit won’t have trouble recruiting pilots. I suspect the Mesa FO pipeline is done.

After jumping with an Envoy crew, I am left with recommending Mesa as the best regional in Texas. Envoy is forcing all CA qualified pilots (>1,000 121) to base in LGA on the E145.

Once you go home basing, there’s no going back!

Right now DFW (and PHX in case anyone was wondering) have a waiting list. It seems like DFW is a popular base request.

How long?

If you want the CRJ are you guaranteed to get it?

For the last couple of years, Mesa is offering your choice of airplane for initial training.

Other than PBS and no reserve drops after PBS implantation I don’t see much difference in our QOL.

Still have 4 days off between trips
5 hour min duty period.
Great hotels. Almost every hotel we’re checking in with a Delta crew. Transportation mostly provided by a car service to our long stay hotels.
2nd year FO pay is better than 19 year captain pay at Mesa.
75% of month must be green in the reserve grid.
Airplanes are well maintained. Rarely fly with an MEL and it’s usually a seat or overhead bin problem. Airplanes are fairly new.
Nice long legs.
No mandatory junior assignments.
Once this TA passes I expect Spirit to announce an order of around 100 airplanes. They have stated publicly that they want to grow 23% in 2018.

I was at Mesa for a little over 2 years and, once I got off reserve, enjoyed it. Still have a lot of good friends there. I’ve been at Spirit for about 6 months and am soooooo glad I made the jump. Night and day difference. The training does suck. 4 sims then a checkride. If I can do I figure most people can do it. Good luck in your decisions and for doors opening for you.