So how much flying time can we realistically expect in the Saab over the next year and what is the best way to get the most?

Average line holder will block about 87 hours per month. On reserve, hard to predict. With all the training going on, I would expect utilization of reserves to be pretty high.

You can pick up trips in open time so long as you don't go below 10 days off per month. So if you have 11 off in your schedule, you can only pick up one extra day of flying. Open time flying pays at 1.5 times your normal rate, so it is a way to make some extra $ as well.

avg days off for DTW this month was 14 days off. only a few lines had less days off. :) It's gonna be a mad house with people upgrading and there will be many trips in open time from FO's who are upgrading and had their lines dropped to go ground school.

If you want to fly, you'll get it. Tell Crew scheduling you want "first out reserve." Back during my first divorce :) I called scheduling and told them to get me out of the house to keep my sanity. They flew me a ton.

Cool, I fly pretty much 7 days a week now so thanks for the advice.

I want to apply for a job at Mesaba but don't have my Passport yet....i applied a few weeks ago and won't get it until June sometime, should I still apply or do I have to wait till the passport is in my hands?

You don't need the passport for the interview. I paid the extra $$$ to get mine expedited, and it still took 5 weeks, FWIW.

Do any of you Mesaba guys know Brian Freerking? He's probably a CA on the Saab now...?

Yes, Brian is a DTW Saab Captain.

If you get the chance, tell him Jeremy,one of his old Beaumont Wings students said hi. I'd appreciate it. He was my PPL instructor in '97. LOL..... :p

Does mesaba frown upon guys that went out and bought their multi time?