curious, how many memory items does mesaba have on the CR9?

Thats exsactly what I did and I was so glad for it. I had to pay for 2 hotel nights out of my pocket (one the night before and one after so I wouldn't have to find a hotel in DTW). I stayed at the "country inn and suites" or something like that because it was the first of 4 on their list...mention "mesaba" and they'll give you $50 a night. Only thing within walking distance is a McDonalds and a gas station though.

Anyway, during my interview it was obvious which of us got in the night before and which ones barely made it. The lady that guided us through the interview process kind of picked on a few interviewees for their early morning "phone calls of desperation". One kid kept getting lost and called her repeatedly!

When I interviewed in March I was standby to MSP. My friend was as well and was bumped off his first flight although I do believe you will be a higher code.

At the interview--just be relaxed, knowledgeable and be yourself. They are looking for people who will fit in here. They know you are nervous so if you mess something up just go with it. Have some good stories about what you did when something went wrong or how you have dealt with problems in the past (not just in the air but personel issues). The sim is pretty much a joke, just a desktop model. They just want to see if you know how to hold altitude, brief an approach and keep the dirty side down.

As for training--there is a lot of info but it is presented very well. Before going I didn't do much studying. I enjoyed the few weeks prior and was focused when I got there. If you pay attention in class and spend an hour or two each night going over things you should do fine on indoc. Systems is a little confusing but not all that bad. Sim training is a little stressful but a lot of fun as well and they prepare you very well for the checkride. I just passed mine and am about to go back for FMS training and then on to IOE and I have to say it has been great training. After talking with people at other regionals I think Mesaba is really doing it right. Very nice people there as well, I don't think I have run into anyone who I haven't liked--a few I wouldn't spend time with outside of work but that is to be expected.

I didn't know the SAAB had an FMS..?

But thanks for the words of encouragement!

Yeah, it can't be used for approaches though.

Have fun in training

Interview flights = standby.
Flight to MSP for training = positive space.

I think folks were talking about 2 different things (or maybe my beer and fatigue are catching up with me).

Don't worry about training at Mesaba. The instructors are a very good group of people who want you to pass and succeed. Yes, you will have to work hard, but all the more reason to relax right up until training starts.

During ground school, try to make up flash cards to start memorizing your limitations and memory items. Otherwise, just keep pace with the ground school and don't get ahead of your self on anything else until it comes up. Don't worry about profiles (except just to glance at them, NOT memorize them) until the SIM is very very near in your future.

Remember to take study breaks, and take at least one weekend night off each week.

Good luck. Enjoy.