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What could a potential Mesa New hire expect?

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What could a potential Mesa New hire expect?

Old 05-20-2015, 11:49 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by Nightman View Post
Agree that C-12 and helo time are better than no military time. Don't know what that guy is smoking. Would something like KC-135s or C-17s look better? Maybe. But military flight school is military flight school. If it came down to you or a civilian flight instructor, they're going to take you all other things being equal. Priority one should be to get that degree ASAP. Majors won't look at you without it.
135's and C-17 do look better. That is what the heavy aircraft check-box is for. I never said C-12 and helo time are insignificant, but they will score lower than a C-130, due to the large aircraft category. There are some helo pilots that have been hired, but it is few and far between. Go look at the who's been hired thread and accomplish everything you physically can to be on that list.

Absolutely, they would take a military trained pilot over a civilian pilot if everything else was equal, but a civ trained pilot usually doesn't fly a C-12 or helo. He is competing against the hundreds of captain's who have tons of TPIC with 4 year degrees, etc.

I am just giving the guy advice, my word is not the gospel. There is more than one way to make it. Evaluate everyone's advice, because diversity gives you mixed opinions.
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Old 05-20-2015, 12:06 PM
  #12  
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I'll answer your Mesa questions...

They just displaced some FOs out of PHX due to a reduction in flying. There is no anticipated growth in PHX, so any new vacancies will happen from attrition/upgrades for the time being. Most junior FO I think is a Dec 2014 hire.

The only 700 base is IAD. IAH is E175 only, so you won't get based there. Just for clarification, you have a CRJ class date and can be placed in any of the CRJ bases, not just the 900.

Right now, it's hard to say for upgrade time. Awards have gone as far down as 8 months or so, but it's very difficult to say what will happen in the future. We have about 12 more aircraft scheduled for delivery through the end of this year. Without additional flying/aircraft after that, upgrades slow down to attrition only. Mesa has experienced pretty slow attrition for the last year or so. That may be picking up a little now, but the flood gates haven't opened yet. Since at least the 2003 contract there has been a requirement for 2 Captains you have flown with to write letters of recommendation in order for you to upgrade. I highly doubt anyone gets passed over because of that.

Mesa training is very good. No one in the training department is there to wash anyone out due to personality conflicts.
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Old 05-20-2015, 12:10 PM
  #13  
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PM sent. Let me know if you have more questions.

Originally Posted by Benwhaa View Post
Hi all,

I have been out of the airline industry for over 10yrs. and based on current events have decided to jump back in. When I left the industry in 2004, I had a good feel for most of the regionals, who to work for who not to based on my career goals etc..., but things have somewhat changed and I'm at a loss to accurately evaluate a regional, getting there but need more input, hence this post.

I knew the Mesa of old (prior 2003) and would like to know about the current Mesa 2014/15 and some predictions of where they might be headed (I know, the industry is crazy right now, but any predictions would be appreciated)....

Background.
Without going into too much detail..
+5500 hrs, both military and civillian (army-helicopter and c-12 time), prior 121, +/- 1500hrs (about 400s 121 PIC), corporate, total FW +/-3000hrs.
still working on degree.

Situation
Live in PHX, would like to be based in domicile...willing to commute for awhile to wait out time to get PHX, don't want to commute indefinitely 1-2-3yrs etc.. However I will commute in order to get current 121 time/experience to maybe hire on with a major/legacy.

I did the phone interview with Mesa, and got the offer, 900's.

Would like to know what awaits me from class date through the next year, anyones experiences with this etc...

Told by interviewer...
PHX is 6-8 months out for me to hold...
Upgrade time 1.5yrs, but conservatively, 2yrs. (mentioned that upgrade is now not only based on seniority, but also CA recommends???)
DFW or IAH as a domicile until PHX...

My fears/concerns...
Heard mention that all 900's are out of DFW, 700's are the one that are based in PHX, so actually no PHX for me?
Reduced lines in PHX this month, will that stay or just a blip?
Yes would like to upgrade quickly, $$$ and moving on to Major/Legacy, but is that upgrade time really happening.

Last but not least, the training department and climate... I don't plan on failing out of a program, never have, but sometimes I've seen certain personalities force people out in a bad way, in other words personality conflicts, how is the training staff, and curriculum at Mesa? in other words do they throw a bunch of pilots into the training and see what comes out the other end? 50% 60% 70%????

Thanks for any feedback...
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Old 05-20-2015, 12:15 PM
  #14  
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I wouldn't count on seeing PHX before a year.
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Old 05-20-2015, 01:32 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by FaceBiten View Post
Majors are closer than you think once you get a degree. C12 and helo time are fine. That guy doesn't know what he's talking about. With prior 121 time you'll upgrade quick but will be in dfw. I'm in a similar boat. After work I'll pm you more gouge

Most all my FW time is in the civilian market, C-12 accounts for only about 500hrs, all the rest is DHC-6/EMB-120/and CL601 time. No heavy time, CL60 at around what 25K is the biggest Ive flown FW.

Thanks.
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Old 05-20-2015, 01:34 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by yimke View Post
Thanks, for the bash. I didn't say for him not to go to Mesa, but to look at other options. My opinion is unbiased, considering I work at none of the carriers mentioned.
Taking in all I can from good to bad, want to get a full picture of whatI'm about to get into, thanks...
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Old 05-20-2015, 08:53 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by Benwhaa View Post
Hi all,

I have been out of the airline industry for over 10yrs. and based on current events have decided to jump back in. When I left the industry in 2004, I had a good feel for most of the regionals, who to work for who not to based on my career goals etc..., but things have somewhat changed and I'm at a loss to accurately evaluate a regional, getting there but need more input, hence this post.

I knew the Mesa of old (prior 2003) and would like to know about the current Mesa 2014/15 and some predictions of where they might be headed (I know, the industry is crazy right now, but any predictions would be appreciated)....

Background.
Without going into too much detail..
+5500 hrs, both military and civillian (army-helicopter and c-12 time), prior 121, +/- 1500hrs (about 400s 121 PIC), corporate, total FW +/-3000hrs.
still working on degree.

Situation
Live in PHX, would like to be based in domicile...willing to commute for awhile to wait out time to get PHX, don't want to commute indefinitely 1-2-3yrs etc.. However I will commute in order to get current 121 time/experience to maybe hire on with a major/legacy.

I did the phone interview with Mesa, and got the offer, 900's.

Would like to know what awaits me from class date through the next year, anyones experiences with this etc...

Told by interviewer...
PHX is 6-8 months out for me to hold...
Upgrade time 1.5yrs, but conservatively, 2yrs. (mentioned that upgrade is now not only based on seniority, but also CA recommends???)
DFW or IAH as a domicile until PHX...

My fears/concerns...
Heard mention that all 900's are out of DFW, 700's are the one that are based in PHX, so actually no PHX for me?
Reduced lines in PHX this month, will that stay or just a blip?
Yes would like to upgrade quickly, $$$ and moving on to Major/Legacy, but is that upgrade time really happening.

Last but not least, the training department and climate... I don't plan on failing out of a program, never have, but sometimes I've seen certain personalities force people out in a bad way, in other words personality conflicts, how is the training staff, and curriculum at Mesa? in other words do they throw a bunch of pilots into the training and see what comes out the other end? 50% 60% 70%????

Thanks for any feedback...
Come prepared make your training events successful. Mesa does need pilots but the are not going to give anyone the keys to a jet. Honestly you must put in the effort. Know your flows, callouts, limitations and profiles. Take the training seriously, Mesa is going to give you every oppurtunity to pass, but you must work for it. The biggest inhibitor for success here is you.
The training department here is world class, the people are held accountable for thier actions and I have witnessed 1 guy with some issues who was here for upgrade do a carpet dance for an issue.

The personalities in the training department are there for your success. No one that I know of is setting folks up to fail or doing
something to try and get back at someone, unless your a douche, anal orifice, or just a bad personality type. If that is the case, you will get asked to leave, you will know the reason also. That happened to a guy some time back. But as far as some of the stuff that other regionals do while in training to try and set you up to fail- Nope.
If, and that is a mighty big IF, Mesa has an open door policy but you would follow the chain, I have witnessed 1 guy who had some training issues but it was because of the way the instructor and him interacted. He was given a new instructor and was sucessful in making it to the line.
I think you will like coming here, but again do what it take to make your way a success. Some may say Mesa just babies you along, the training is joke, or other negative things. I suggest you come and find out for yourself and make your own conclusion. You -I believe will not be disappointed.
Now the good stuff, the upgrade time is happening, down now to 5 months (on the CRJ) A little longer on the E-jet. (Straight from J.O.) With your time, (prior 121) You should be able to bid for a Captain slot, check into that.

Close to a T.A. but I don't know the deets yet. PHX is in flux. Currently shrinking, but may grow again. If you come aboard expect DFW or IAD. Can't say if you would get PHX, maybe later but highly doubtful now.(CRJ side). I honestly can't say. In DFW it is projected that new hires will be able to hold a line right out of training VERY soon.

In conclusion, you will be a well prepared competent pilot ready to execute your duties in a safe professional environment. You will have what you need to prepare yourself for those task. How you apply them, is up to you. Remember a farmer who expects a crop but does not put his hand to the plow has nothing to reap for his reward. May you come prepared positive attitude and ready to work.
Take Care.

Last edited by On Autopilot; 05-20-2015 at 09:34 PM.
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Old 05-20-2015, 09:19 PM
  #18  
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There are very few FO's at Mesa right now that can upgrade right now, at this moment in time. Everyone is busting their butts for open time to get their 1000 121 time.
What you can expect is DFW as a base, very short time on reserve as an FO, and with your 121 time, most likely the most jr guy to upgrade thus far. You can also expect outrageous medical benefit costs if you need it for a family. PSA is hands down the winner when it comes to medical benefits.
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Old 05-21-2015, 05:31 AM
  #19  
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Skywest has a small phx base. I don't know how long it would take to hold it.
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Old 05-21-2015, 07:43 AM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by Grumpyaviator View Post
Skywest has a small phx base. I don't know how long it would take to hold it.
As of right now, around a year. It's future is uncertain with only 11 or so -200s and 4 -900s however.
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