"...were having a MUCH higher washout rate than the 250-500 hour pilots coming into the airline with airline-specific training..."

Yeah, I hear that one all the time. There is no doubt that the RJ course will help the 250 hour, or the 2500 hour, guy get through 121 ground school and the sim. I mean, if you've already seen it once, it makes it easier the second time. What the RJ course doesn't do is make you a better pilot in the way being a CFI would. Skills you get as a CFI have more to do with judgement, self confidence, and good CRM, than stick and rudder. These are important blanks that the 300 hour F/O can't fill until he's working as a Jet F/O and I simply don't think it's appropriate to bring that experience level into an airline cockpit.

As far as the "must have been a CFI argument". I agree that's it's not for everybody. I've heard countless times, though, "I didn't think I could do it but once I did it was a great experience". That should speak something to those who have yet to experience it. Food for thought.

Also, I'm not saying "everybody has to be a CFI" so much as defending that the CFI is a great way to build useful time and is not a waste nor worth the effort. There are other ways to gain some minimal skill level before heading for the shiny jet.

Cloud,

Without getting into the whole "to CFI or to not CFI debate"... if your friend is looking for the fastest route without having to instruct:

- MESA PACE is an excellent program. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. However, the drawback is: you then have to fly for Mesa. Conclusion: avoid

- ATPS RJ Certification program. Advantage: cheap (if you call 6 grand cheap. Still, it's about the cheapest bridge program out there). Disadvantage: you interview AFTER the program is completed.

- Jet U, Flight Safety, Regional Airline Academy. Expensive ($27K)!!!!

- Gulfsteam. 'Nuff said.

- Consider CAE's bridge program with Pinnacle. Reasonable (relatively speaking) price: $10K. Quality program. Yeah, I know, a lot of guys aren't crazy about working for Pinnacle.

If you want more information, pm me.

Pinnacle makes this program sound better than grandma's homemade brownies.

Not MY grandma's homemade brownies though:D

Norskman,
Thank you very much for the informative post.
I think CAE is a great alternative. I've actually done some training at their center in DEN and in PHX, and have always been very impressed. I know what you mean about Pinnacle, but it might be a much better option than Mesa.
I was once at Mesa and was lucky enough to never have been on reserve there. Things worked out great and I enjoyed the poeple I flew with and the options it once presented. It has changed a lot though in the last 5 years.... I wish them all the best, but it might be time to reap what some people in management have sown. Because of this, I might be recommending this different option to my friend. Ultimately his decision, but want to help him get the best information possible.
Thanks again.
Since you offered, I might PM you with a few additional questions.

Yeah, it's kinda like saying a Chery (the new Chinese car) is better than a Yugo!

I have some friends who unfortunately were at Mesa long after you, and Mesa is everything it's cracked up to be and less...

I think it would be a great idea for everyone to retire the word flamebait and the expression thrown under the bus. I am going to start pulling my hair out if the use of this word / expression keeps multiplying!!!! While we are at it lets forget the koolaid drinking too! :D