Well just like the story mentioned from the guy a few pages back. All some old guy having a mid-life crisis and wants to fly a shiny jet for a hobby just has to pick up the phone and get a class date, hence why we have no leverage.

 

And just think... If you change your attitude a little bit, you, too, may live long enough to to become one of those "old guys having a mid-life crisis", and then you can look back here and see all your disparaging remarks towards older people, and hang your head in shame.

Just remember... Some of those "old folks" you like to put down have been flying since before you were born.

 

You are just as guilty of filling a right seat and reducing our leverage as a newhire is. You could have quit and gone to endeavor (or other) and made more money. And your lack of respect for older folks is embarrassing.

 

I have a question since I really have no idea. With all of the attrition at Mesa, how many of those leaving are "older guys"? More than the younger guys leaving? Equal? Less?

 

Attrition is from 15 years on down at Mesa. Anyone at Mesa any longer then that is leaving due to retirement which is very few. That chart is missing some too. Mesa's health insurance is very expensive, the cheap plans cover virtually nothing. Per diem is 1.47 hr. Yet people keep coming...

 

Scotty, you're like Trump. The more you talk the less I like you.

You are so critical of anyone, especially older pilots, who come to Mesa. Why don't you put your money where your gigantic mouth is? Why don't you quit? For you to keep criticizing those that come here while you are still here makes you a hypocrite.

 

"Yet people keep coming..." As I read through years of posts, it appears like that hasn't changed. I'm pretty confident that those that hire at Mesa are quite aware of what the pay and benefits are. I would hope that nobody would get their check and be too surprised by it. For some, pay and benefits are not as important as other factors. (I'm not trying to start a war over pay with that statement) That is the situation I am in. If after doing all of my homework and study as to which direction to go, I could possibly choose an airline like Mesa for the other factors. My wife has great benefits and I have additional income. For me it is a means to an end.

For those that pay and benefits are important to them... yes, Mesa would not be a good fit. Nobody is being forced to work at Mesa... that's individual choice. History shows that this appears to be their business model.

 

Scotty,
From the "old guy": Happiness begins with gratefulness from the things we have and the people who took the time and effort to invest in us. My first flight was in 1971 in a decommissioned Bell 47 helicopter. My first lessons were in 1986. When graduating from college in 1990 I had the good fortune to run a small GA airport 30nm west of Oshkosh. I chose that path and avoided the 121 world that was paying $10-12K/year for FOs. Why, family was more important than career. The benefits were a doubled income and opportunity to fly over 80 different makes and models of aircraft. I also got my start in business. Was that my planned or preferred path, no. I did what was needed for those around me.

Midlife crisis: if that's defined as the point in life where I can decide my path with less worries about feeding a family, then I am certainly there. I have built a resume that includes aviation, the military, business, law and coaching professionally. Combine those things with a solid 28 year marriage, 5 wonderful children, and now an opportunity to fly a shiny new jet...If that's being in crisis, then I wish to be in crisis for the rest of my life.

I'm curious Scotty. If you are not happy where you are with Mesa, why not simply leave? If you are not pleased with the 121 world, why stay in it. Life is too short to go through it bitter. There are always options.

A bit of wisdom from the "old guy" if you're willing to accept it: you can go anywhere to try and change your situation, but the reality is the change needs to come from within you first. If you are bitter and have a sense of entitlement, a change of venue will do nothing but rearrange the deck chairs on your personal Titanic. You'll have a honeymoon period with a new company, and then in a year or so be back to the same disgruntled place you seem to be now. Focus on being grateful for what you have and the fact that you get to fly a shiny new jet as well. All told, that's not a bad crisis to be in. Look around you at the thousands of people you pass each day. How many would you truly like to trade places with? I think when you step back you'll see you'e got it pretty well off.

Want things to get better at Mesa. Start making things better with you and those around you. Work at being a man that others respect and admire. Invest your time and energy into others and focus less on yourself. You'll be amazed how quickly Mesa/life changes for the better.

Kind Regards,
Judge

 

^^^^^ What WisJudge said, times 1,000. Great post, Judge! Here's hoping he will heed your words, and become a better pilot overall. Respect for others goes a LONG way in this world, regardless of the profession.

 

I wish Scotty the best. And I admire his **** and vinegar. He'll get there.