Thanks...when I got the phone call on Monday, they asked me the same; flying or driving, etc. I was told that I should see the packet in the mail by the end of the week. No class date for me yet.

The training department said they will be taking the list to 1300 pilots by fall next year. Anyone to get 600-700 seniority should be upgraded by then.

do they allow you to delay your class dates for prior commitments? or do you have to take the first one avail.?

I interviewed on 4/18 (Wed.) and had my packet and job offer on 4/24 (Mon.) Told to expect a July class date. I didn't get told what aircraft either. Rumor has it you find out first day of class. I could be wrong though.

I wouldn't even think twice about taking the first available class date! It's all about seniority, right?

Yes sir.

As far as when you find out about the equipment you'll fly, in the past they've told new hires within the first week or two. It really doesn't matter until systems class.

Future planning
 

I know this is still 3 years away, but I'm currently a FE in the AF and riding the fence right now to either A) Finish another 10 years and have retirement at 40 or B) Get out and try again at the airline career. Mind you all I have right now is a private and multi with about 120 hours so I'd have to finish up somewhere back in the motherland of MN, which is why Mesaba is so attractive to me. Now my real question is, would having a FE ticket have any more push when it comes to putting in the application? The systems thing doesn't really bother me as I fly on a powerplant in the sky with a mere 8 gens. Any insights would be great.

Personally, I'd say retire with the AF and find a nice little corporate gig when you get out. That being said, if you're interested in Mesaba, now is certainly the time to get in. However you will not be ready in time for the front half of the growth, so it may or may not be so great by the time you get here. With NWA recently purchasing us, the long-term future of Mesaba is uncertain at best.

BTW, its not so much your FE ticket than your military training/experience that would be impressive. Best of luck.

How long is upgrade projected now at mesaba? i got the call today offering me a job for a late july class date!

As of now, I would speculate 18 months for a late July date. Maybe sooner depending on attrition in that time. Tomorrow there is an an award for 25 upgrades...we'll see how junior the Saab Captain goes and I will update the thread.