Rick,

I'm not sure what the hiring percentage is for folks off the street. Remember in the early 90's when the hiring percentage at just about any airline was less than 50%. In the late 90's it increased dramatically. I think Mesa is in a situation where they need pilots badly. 80% of total applicants might be right.
As for future hiring prospects for MAPD grads; I know there is a prejudice out there with some folks, but I don't think it would translate into rejection at the interview. When an MAPD grad walks into the interview at the airline of their choice, they'll probably have over 5000 hours with 2000 hours jet PIC. (More than I had when I got my job at the majors. And I can't compete with them when it comes to jet PIC.) It would be difficult for someone to overlook those qualifications only to focus on a candidate's initial training.
Not to say it won't happen. You will run into any number of prejudices at a hiring board. But with so many past graduates who have paved the way, I don't think having MAPD on your resume will be a negative.
Hog

 

Most regionals who hire folks with no previous 121 experience pay $15-22K the first year. Mesa would pay about $20K.

 

Yeh - completely inaccurate, but it looked good.

 

Let me just say before everyone pounces on me and rips my response to shreds that..."No, I'm not a pilot yet."

With that said, I believe that a person should be able to pursue a career path that is going to enable them to get to the FO's seat. I know that some airlines out there are considered undesirables. My point is that we all have to start some where and at some point in order to get where we want to be.

Just my thoughts!!!

 

You can always tell a bogus argument by the lack of facts. A $1,000 paycheck per month at Mesa has absolutely no basis in reality. As the argument starts with that fallacy, it's extremely difficult at best to take the rest of it seriously.

 

Rick,
I realized I didn’t answer your question about the 80%. I think what you’re saying is that of the people who walk through the doors of the program on the first day, only 80% will ultimately get a job. Some will leave due to grades, funds, personal reasons, family emergencies, poor performance, etc., and will not even make it to the interview. I don’t know what the percentage is. I would just be guessing, also.
Sorry about the late reply. I reread the original post and noticed that my reply was out of context.
Hog

 

I'm not so sure about those numbers. Out of the people who start with MAPD, only a few people actually get hired. As a second semester frosh in the ASU program out of a class of say 60 we’ve already lost around 10. (Thank God too because they were taking up the primo flight blocks) I don't want you guys to think that I'm trying to toot my own horn because I already know how you feel about MPD but I think the 80 and 90% numbers are used as a marketing gig. This year’s senior class started out with 50 and is down to 20 right now. Now I'm not a mathematician but that sure as hell ain't 90%. Keep in mind this is at ASU not Farmington. I also think that 90% isn’t exclusively with Mesa. We have people go to Skywest, American Eagle, the Air Force, so on and so forth. Try not to **** on us too badly we aren’t all bad people.

 

Hobbs,
I’m referring to the FMN operation. And no, it’s not a marketing gig. As I said, I can’t speak to the so-called 80%. However, of the people who make it through the entire program, over 90% get hired.
Hog

 

I think the 90% number is legitimate. People who didn't even finish the program shouldn't be counted in the equation.

 

The senior class only has 20
So freshmen classes start at about 60 and drop to 20..... wow!