Guys, we're entering a downturn in our industry of epic proportions, we haven't begun to see the worst of it, in fact, it hasn't even begun yet. Several waves of furloughs at many carriers will take place, flooding an already saturated market w/ more qualified pilots looking for work that won't exist.

So get in while you can, if flying 121 pax is what you would like to do. There is no time to be picky, it will likely be several years before any appreciable hiring resumes as fuel prices and severe downturn in the economy will stifle commercial travel in our country through, optimistically, 2010. Get in while you can, or be prepared to wait it out into the next decade (Assuming your goal is to stay here in the U.S.).

It's your choice.

 

Get in while you can? Just ahead of a downturn of "epic proportions"!? All I got to say is "whaaaaaa?!" When those rounds of furloughs you mentioned kick off (and they will, already being planned at most carriers), who do you think is going to be leading the way? All the dumbass CFIs who couldn't bear the thought of teaching another steep turn and jumped on the first sinking ship they could paddle out to. Maybe someone should explain to these noobs that "furloughed" basically means you don't have a job. You don't get a paycheck, you have no health benefits, you are on your ass. And the last guy in the door is the first one out the door. So for all you aspiring 121 regional pax haulers, put this in your pipe and smoke it: can you pay your rent with a note to your landlord that you used to fly a CRJ? Can you defer payments on your massive student loan due to the hardships associated with your psychological disorder known as "shiny jet syndrome"? An unemployment check is great but its usually based on a percentage of what you made prior to being unemployed. I might be a little fuzzy on the math but 30% of barley livable is...even less livable. So if you got a solid CFI gig, stick with it. The ship has sailed for this round of regional hiring, you're probably better off if you just sit tight and wait for the next boat to come.

 

Not too private when you have your name and birth date as your username

 

Why? They both make you do stoopid stuff.

 

RAH has fired probationary pilots in the past to cut a fleet type.

Here's my doomsday scenario.... Scores of furloughed pilots swell Mesa's ranks allowing them to properly staff and operate their airline. This keeps you on the street from your "good" job until the next round of feed contracts. At this point, Mesa has the manpower to bid seriously and low balls the competition. Now the furloughs become permanent and Mesa rules the industry once again. Dark enough for ya? Don't help JO by working for Mesa when furloughed. You can make more stocking shelves at Home Depot. The goal is to squeeze JO with staffing into improve the QOL (probably not gonna happen) or BK.

 

You sir are that dangerous combination of deeply disturbed yet not too far removed from reality. I guess we can only hope that the flood of tempapermanent furloughees at Mesa will be a shot of fresh pee and vinegar into a labor group consistently beaten into submission.

 

Or we could all sit around, drink beer and bash Mesa together..

 

Yes, and Aug 3rd is just a few weeks away, maybe a new job at Mesa will be a birthday present.

 

AirTran is threatening to fire probationary pilots just to reduce the workforce at this very moment. Know any AirTran guys (a “crapbag company”) that have left for XJet (a “top tier regional”)? Me either.

It seems that many of the posters on this thread are regional FO's. Not to disparage regional FO's, but, chances are, they're inexperienced - in life, in flying, and in the industry. These are not generally the guys you want to take advice from. However, they were recently in the same position as you, trying to secure employment @ a regional, so they are a lot closer to the decision you are making than a guy flying widebody international stuff.

My advice to those who are considering working for Mesa: listen to the guys who say "I work @ Mesa, ask me what you want to know”. Guys like ‘The Duke’, ‘sidestep’, and ‘Paxhauler’ – all acknowledge that they are CA’s @ Mesa right now. They’ve been through the good times and the bad times @ Mesa.

Go interview @ Mesa if you're even possibly interested - if you don't like it, don't take the job. It's that easy. But don't ever make a decision on a company based on what you read on these forums - including what I say. You gotta' do your due diligence and make the decisions for yourself.

 

Very well said Sniper....Thank You.