CFIsoonToBeFO

https://investor.mesa-air.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mesa-airlines-offers-accelerated-path-1500-hours

lbell

I read the press release, great idea. But there should be a hook/clause if you don’t fulfill your 3-TT agreement those rates revert to 225.00/hr, that way it will keep people at Mesa

ClappedOut145

Interesting move for sure. It will certainly attract a lot of people. Mesa is firing the starting gun in the creativity race

FAR121

So it’s pay to play.

CaptainJay

Question. Does building 1000 hrs of time in a light sport aircraft ( which I believe are VFR only ) truly prepare someone for the level of flying one does on an ATP certificate? (Rhetorical question) I think there may be legitimate safety implications with this idea no matter how creative it is. The ATP rule ( it’s never been a 1500 hr rule ) was about having prepared, well rounded and experienced crew members on 121 flight decks. Personally as an airline instructor/ examiner I would be very skeptical of a new hire who built all his time flying the same 50 mile flight in severe clear phoenix weather 800 times and viewed the ATP certificate as just a number, not something to be earned through quality of experience. Not saying some can’t do it, just saying “Is this really such a good idea” ? Flying 135 in a two crew transport category aircraft is a Great way to build that time and get paid for it to boot, and being a flight instructor makes you a much more rounded and prepared Pilot. I guess everyone is just in a hurry these days. JMHO.

CFIsoonToBeFO

If the FAA cared about the quality of the 1500 hours, they would not allow a 250/500TT F/O to fly the E145 or CRJ 200 like they do at JSX or Contour Airlines for Part 135 (same jet just less passenger seats inside the cabin).

Mesa is calling bluff on the FAA’s 1500 number.

CFIsoonToBeFO

Just paying a severely discounted rate compared to renting at your FBO

DoSomePilotStuf

Hopefully pilots are able to get a “real job” and maybe just use this to supplement that and build time faster. I’m sure some will and some won’t.

SonicFlyer

Exactly...

The 1500 hour rule was nothing more than Obama's gift to the unions. It is absurd and has no basis in regards to anything. In fact it could even be argued that it has made us less safe because now regionals are desperate to hire anyone they can. Not only that but a pilot with 1500 hours flying in circles is no more experienced than a pilot who has 500 hours,

SonicFlyer

Mesa is subsidizing the time build. And they still are highest regional pay in the industry.

But after your ratings the $30k cost to burn holes in the sky (what a waste of time and money), it is still unaffordable for most aspiring pilots.