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Tinpusher007 02-29-2008 04:51 PM


Originally Posted by SiouxCFI (Post 330571)
I have not run into much of the "Jet vs Prop"" online or in the crew rooms... Last week however, I was jumpseating to work, I had to sit in the jumpseat of the -900. When they asked me what I flew I told the the SAAB out of DTW, to which the Capt said "I'm sorry" both the Capt and FO busted out laughing... That was a little weird and uncalled for, kinda made the intorduction and the first few minutes a little awkard, but I didn't let it get to me. As long as too much of that crap isnt going on then I think there is mutual respect out there between the two groups.

I can tell you that most of the -900 captains are the most senior guys in the company. They also used to fly the Avro. When Mesaba went into Chapter 11, they got rid of the Avros and these guys were forced back down to the Saab which in addition to a significant pay cut, they were all very fond of the Avro...some even seem to prefer it to the 900, but thats neither here nor there. The point is, it was a tough pill to swallow so for that reason, most of them don't have much love for the Saab and I can understand. I doubt very highly that they thought less of you personally though.

tflyer70 03-01-2008 07:35 AM

After flying there for 7.5 years I can honestly say it was like mulit-pilot groups within the company. During that time there were many difficult pills to swallow. I was in a group that both upgraded and downgraded and upgraded again. However there were others that did that X2. Now thats one bitter pill-to swallow, damn near cyanide! One thing I did notice is that XJ was a multi-faced company in the sense of differences. MSP/DTW/MEM crews, Avro crews/Saab crews. It was most surely different flying--some for the better, and some worse. The SF had better sked hands down with utilization, but the Avro was more comfy. Its all what you make of it and more over get out of it (experience for when you upgrade). I found its not the flying that was the hard part, it was what all you have to deal with (pax, agents, WX, dispatch, CS and such) and be able to communicate with them all and your crew. It was good to have started as an FO because I was able to see the different captains handle situations and learned from that. There is (or was) a little of us vs. them. There always will be, and it goes on at each airline. I had UPS DC8 crews make fun of the 757 guys right in front of them. (they poked fun at being "loafer wearers"). But one item I will never forget from XJ is the culture of SAFETY. To the new hires, be open minded and get out of each flying experience of what you put into it. Learn what works, what doesnt, and how most situations can be best handled. Remember its not just the flying that preceds one's repuation, but how you carry yourself as a Mesaba pilot. You never know how quickly that upgrade number will come.

Joepa84 03-01-2008 08:29 AM

Any sign of hiring slowing down there? I would be looking to apply at the end of summer. Does it look like hiring will still be occuring? Any help from the inside would be appreciated.

tcraft 03-01-2008 08:53 AM


Originally Posted by tflyer70 (Post 331077)
After flying there for 7.5 years I can honestly say it was like mulit-pilot groups within the company. During that time there were many difficult pills to swallow. I was in a group that both upgraded and downgraded and upgraded again. However there were others that did that X2. Now thats one bitter pill-to swallow, damn near cyanide! One thing I did notice is that XJ was a multi-faced company in the sense of differences. MSP/DTW/MEM crews, Avro crews/Saab crews. It was most surely different flying--some for the better, and some worse. The SF had better sked hands down with utilization, but the Avro was more comfy. Its all what you make of it and more over get out of it (experience for when you upgrade). I found its not the flying that was the hard part, it was what all you have to deal with (pax, agents, WX, dispatch, CS and such) and be able to communicate with them all and your crew. It was good to have started as an FO because I was able to see the different captains handle situations and learned from that. There is (or was) a little of us vs. them. There always will be, and it goes on at each airline. I had UPS DC8 crews make fun of the 757 guys right in front of them. (they poked fun at being "loafer wearers"). But one item I will never forget from XJ is the culture of SAFETY. To the new hires, be open minded and get out of each flying experience of what you put into it. Learn what works, what doesnt, and how most situations can be best handled. Remember its not just the flying that preceds one's repuation, but how you carry yourself as a Mesaba pilot. You never know how quickly that upgrade number will come.

Great post! It's great to gain some perspective from someone who's been around the block! Thanks!

bored 03-01-2008 09:30 AM

Hiring is projected to continue for the rest of the year. The numbers aren't going to be as high, but hiring will continue.

SiouxCFI 03-02-2008 09:54 AM


Originally Posted by Tinpusher007 (Post 330740)
I can tell you that most of the -900 captains are the most senior guys in the company. They also used to fly the Avro. When Mesaba went into Chapter 11, they got rid of the Avros and these guys were forced back down to the Saab which in addition to a significant pay cut, they were all very fond of the Avro...some even seem to prefer it to the 900, but thats neither here nor there. The point is, it was a tough pill to swallow so for that reason, most of them don't have much love for the Saab and I can understand. I doubt very highly that they thought less of you personally though.

I wasn't really offended, it was just a comment that seemed out of place since we would be sharing the cockpit for the next 2 hours.. They turned out to be good guys, but my first impression was that this could be a long ride.

sigep_nm 03-02-2008 10:39 AM


Originally Posted by Tinpusher007 (Post 330740)
I can tell you that most of the -900 captains are the most senior guys in the company. They also used to fly the Avro. When Mesaba went into Chapter 11, they got rid of the Avros and these guys were forced back down to the Saab which in addition to a significant pay cut, they were all very fond of the Avro...some even seem to prefer it to the 900, but thats neither here nor there. The point is, it was a tough pill to swallow so for that reason, most of them don't have much love for the Saab and I can understand. I doubt very highly that they thought less of you personally though.


Most of them never saw the pay cut. They sat in the saab or crj at the same pay until the last person requaled for the new position. Then they all went to the 900 and 200.

tflyer70 03-05-2008 07:23 AM

No problem. Im still friends with an LCA out of DTW and keep up now and then with my alma mater. Dont hesitate to PM me if you have questions. Mesaba's culture will remain the same and I still see alot of guys are still there when I was. Cant give you operational on aircraft unless its the SF340, and even then I know they have changed profiles since I left in late 06. But expectations and how to study, etc I would be more than hapy to share any insight that I can.

EvilGN 03-05-2008 10:37 AM

tflyer70, yer going to need to post more in order for people to PM you for info

tflyer70 03-05-2008 12:30 PM

well, I guess post'em and I'll reply to em.


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