Mesaba Bases
 

Is it better to be based at MEM or DTW for the SAAB?

Also, Would it be possible to commute from PVD or BOS with the loads?

Thanks in advance...

It would be better to commute without the loads. The loads always take my %^&* seat.

Just curious here, what are the "loads"? Thanks.

I would take a look at the NWA website for their timetable and see how many flights are currently listed for each city pair. Or get an OAG and do it that way. My guess is Detroit might be easier for BOS, but I dont know.

BTW, I'll be going to class at Mesaba in July. I have been told that MEM is the junior base for the SAAB. But, one of the current Mesaba pilots would probably have better information on it than I do.

Passenger loads on the flights. Meaning they are heavy.

Thanks for the help.

Looks like BOS-DTW is about 5X Daily with I think 3 A320's and 2 757's. PVD has I think 2 or 3X with A320/A319.

PVD is better, but hopefully I can plan better using BOS too.

Any more info would be appreciated.

How easy/difficult is it to commute out of NYC to any of the bases?

NWA is one of the hardest to get empty seats on IMO........... I would go to DTW just bc Memphis is gross

Im leaning towards MSP as my preference, but I hear it goes pretty senior.

I was informed that a few peeps from the first SAAB class have already been able to move on up to MSP, and in the first week I've been here a handful from the third SAAB class have already gotten DTW. It seems to be moving quick as of this instant.

If you have the choice, pick the most junior base that makes sense for you. If MEM is a possiblity, go for it. BTW, its not "just gross". Yes, it's in the lower half of the states, but seriously... deal.

MSP is VERY senior at XJ. Your QOL will be much better at one of the other two bases.

900 Tour
 

Wife and I in MSP this weekend and attended tour of new CRJ900. Nice looking airplane. Good food, band and kid's events . Probably walked right past some of you.

How would MEM be communting from DFW or Alliance Ft. Worth on FedEx? I was told to expect a late July class date with XJ and would like to live in Ft. Worth.... would it work out?

DFW would work just fine. Commuting on FedEx is excellent! Plus NWA has two or three direct flights a day to Cover Your A** on the commuter clause. Welcome aboard.

Thanks for the welcome and for the reply... How does the commuter clause read? If I did get MEM out of training should I shack up there while I'm on reserve and the once I get a line try the commuting thing? I guess the same question goes for MSP if I get assigned the jet... any advice would be great! (I know how hard it is to get out of DFW sometimes, I've been a CSA for over a year with NWA and 9E and have had to buy a Sun Country Non-rev pass just to get to MSP)

Got a call a couple weeks ago for a position. Me and the wife are moving over to DTW for her job and the possibility of me getting DTW at mesaba. Would there be much of a problem commuting from detroit to either memphis or minnie if i didnt get detroit initially and just held out for it there? Also on average how many days on flying away from home do you typically see in that situation?

They are the fleshy things they put in the seats in the back.

P1kkraft did you get a class date yet?

You'll see DTW before MSP.....I was awarded DTW my first week of class. If you don't get it right away you shouldn't have to wait too long as things around here are moving fast.

Any one have some advice?

Totally up to you. Depends on what kind of life you want I suppose. Reserve will be 5 on 2 or 3 off. Lots and lots of people commute. In my opinion this job is A LOT better if you live in your domicile though. The stress of catching flights to and from really clouds your day sometimes.

In reality, you are not going to be on reserve very long, nor will you be in MEM long if you don't choose to be.

Commuter clause (Call in Honest Policy) says you must list on at least two flights both of which are scheduled to arrive at least 1 hour prior to your SHOW time. They both must have resonable chances of getting you there is terms of load factor. (If both are oversold when you call to list, obviously they don't count as good options.) If you don't get on the first flight you call scheduling and let them know. Hopefully you get on the next. They have the option to positive space you in OR they will have you just get there when you can and pick up what is left of your trip. (you loose pay for the legs you miss).

Hey RJ, do you have any info on the july classes? When are they, split between equipment, etc. I got my new hire packet in the mail earlier this week with a TBD class date and am excited to get started, i was just looking for a heads up on possible specifics if possible! thanks!

So far the only thing published is July 2: 13 Saab FO and 5 CRJ900 FO

I imagine there will be classes on the 16th and 30th as well. Vacancies for those classes have not come out yet.

Warriordriver did your offer letter have your confirmed training date on it or did it say they would let you know the time?:)

I talked to them today, and I am one of the 13 SAAB FO's for July 2! Anyone else?

CTAPNFLY : No i didnt get a specific class date yet but i was told to expect mid august. However that is primarily due to the fact that my wedding is in the first week of august so they were really cool about making it easy for me to deal with class dates. Otherwise im hearing that the earliest people are getting that are just interviewing now is in the range of late july early august. Im sure the current mesaba guys on here have a better picture of that for you (RJ and Ihate). Just glad to be part of the group here really soon!

raress: Thanks for the infomation its appreciated!

No date was given, just a class date TBD and we'll call you. I got the packet about a week after the phone call. I can't wait to get down there, hopefully sooner rather than later!

F-90 Driver what was the time frame from packet in mail to confirmation on class date and equip, what date did you interview (just curios):)

From what I understand they just send you travel documents about a week before the classdate.

I got my confimation letter (with a TBD date) about 8 days after the interview. The packet I got on the following Monday after the interview. Interviewed on April 18th.

I called up there today and he told me I was in that classdate with that equipment. I wanted to know so I could pack my things up from my apartment.

Hope it helps...

Congrats on the job :) I might see you at training they told me over the phone july 16 class.

Beer will be had! I know a guy that is in the July 16th class as well.