I am currently working for a 135 company, i have about 2000 hours part 121 multi turbine time.

I would be most interested in either Houston or Dallas as a base with whatever company i find my way into.

what equipment and base options would Mesa have in Texas? what kind of upgrade times?

any info you guys have would be appreciated. thanks!

 

Wait a month to make your decision. Big changes for the good coming to XJT. It just might give you a better option!

 

Whatever you do don’t go to Xjet. But waiting won’t hurt you unless you want Envoy. They are staffed and can be picky.

 

Envoy?

thought they were doing somersaults through their own rear ends to find PIC qualified guys?

 

My friends there that are reserve don’t fly much. just had a FO that came to Mesa who was non current military have Envoy hire him but basically waitlisted him because classes were full.

 

My friends are on reserve there too - especially direct hire captains. I still have thought about it because they have a commutable long call reserve and a flow and a $45k signing bonus.

 

Here is the skinny:
Envoy has a DFW base. You will probably be based elsewhere and have to transfer back. Probably flying a 145 or 175. Older pilots have preference in aircraft and base.

Republic has a IAH base. Ask about the hire date of the junior FO and junior CA in IAH. They fly the 170/175. They have a good reputation.

ExpressJet is losing their DFW base. ExpressJet has a IAH base. Ask about the hire date of the junior FO and junior CA in IAH. Recruiters and management and trolls there can lie so be careful. They are touting new CRJ200 flying (announced) and 175 flying (promised if the pilots enter into a long term contract - looks like GoJet 700’s are being replaced with 175’s). Neither will likely be IAH based. So, plan on the 145 in IAH.

Mesa has a DFW and IAH base. DFW is the CRJ and IAH is the 175. It is what it is. You fly a lot. You upgrade quickly. You move on. Just be careful to not cross aircraft in your upgrade. There are also downsides: insurance costs and schedule flexibility once assigned.

If you are a decent pilot and can afford to take your time at a regional, Republic and Envoy have the best reputations.

 

Oh, I left SkyWest out who is opening a CRJ base in DFW on 9/1. They have a decent reputation as well. I can’t really speak to how junior the base is or will be for FO’s or CA’s (yet). They also have a very senior IAH base.

 

If you have turbine PIC time, consider sending an app into Kalitta Air, skip the regionals all together.

 

That is something he should consider too. Heard Kalitta is cleaning house at Xjet.

With 2000 PIC, he would upgrade for Mesa in IAH after he received two CA recommendations.