Check out aviationinterviews.com most of the gouges there have ~1000TT. I got hired with 625TT/95ME. All of the other candidates in my interview group had >1000TT.

I got on with 622tt/54multi.

I'm going to interview in a few weeks; logbook right now 670/65.

Congratulations to all of those whom we have hired.

Good luck to all of those selected for interviews.

Our official classes so far are Apr 23 (32 new hires) and May 7 (15 new hires). So far, all of the new hires will be Saab F/O's. I am as surprised as any at the number of lateral moves occuring. Seems that many more people than I thought are willing to take a 24 month seat lock to fly the new jet.

It is official now that the A-model Saab is no longer part of our training. For those of you who may have training material from friends or other contacts, you can disregard any limitations or systems items related to the A-model airplane. We operate only B+ Saab's now :)

Couple of general points...

Beards and/or Goatees are not allowed.
Flight Cases must be black
Initial uniform costs are shared and will be payroll deducted at $25/check until the obligation is met.
New hires accrue vacation at .58 days per MONTH (7 days per year). Vacation is accrued to be used in the FOLLOWING year. (You have no vacation your first year here)

PM me if any of you have additional questions prior to starting training. Welcome aboard!

RJ85FO, I can't send you a PM... Any clue on where I could find copies of the limitations and mem items?

Once you get to class, you will be given access to the internal website. On there you will find a lot of Saab Training material, including the limitations, memory items, test questions etc.

We would much rather have you come to class having reviewed the AIM, FAR 121 and staying proficient in your instrument scan. You will have PLENTY of time to learn the limitations and memory items when you get to class. It is actually easier to learn the memory items and limitations as you are learning each system...memorizing just the words will not help you in the long run.

Mesaba has a very tried and true training program. You will be more than prepared for your oral and PC after going through training. We have had the Saab for over 10 years now, and the training program has evolved to be quite thorough in coverage. (As long as you are not a partier at night!!)

Enjoy your time off prior to coming to training. We will feed you from the fire hose when you get here.

Good Luck.

I second what RJ 85 said. Enjoy your time at home and come to training with a good scan. They can teach you all saab stuff. welcome aboard. :)

Thanks for the kind words that puts me at ease.

I am starting in the July class (no exact date yet, they said they will let me know later) with 1700TT/50ME (probably around 1800/60 by the time training starts). I am excited to get into the Saab systems--would love to get some training materials beforehand but I will enjoy my two months before jumping in.

Do enjoy your time before training. I know how exciting it is to be coming to your first 121 job and learning a new and more complex aircraft. I can tell you though, that there are two weeks of Indoc/General Subjects before you get into aircraft systems. You cannot bog down, even now trying to learn the airplane. We need your head clear to absorb the General Subjects material: Ops Specs, Customer Service Plan, Dispatch procedures, Flight Crew responsibilities, Non-Normal Ops, Security, Preflight planning, weather, alternate minimums, takeoff minimums, Charters, VFR, part 91 legs, Dangerous Goods, Passenger handling, cargo handling, weight and balance, performance calculations, enroute considerations, diversions, ground operations, winter weather aspects, international operations, Maintenance, uniforms, manuals, jepps, etc!!!!

You get the idea. The general subjects stuff is the stuff that can put your certificate at risk on the line. Landing after the tower closes and not having "approved" weather can land you in a LOI with the FAA. Not remembering what temperature the Duct Overheat light comes on at is not as critical.

I know this is free advice, and you get what you pay for, but I am going to say it again. Be free, enjoy life as it is now. Things are going to be much differnet as we shape you into a Mesaba pilot. Fun, exiting and challenging times are ahead. We look forward to having you, and we will help you get through training. There are lots of resources available once you are here.