Mesaba Reserve and commuting
 

Hi guys. I have a question regarding Mesaba. I am thinking strongly about applying at Mesaba,for various reasons, sometime in mid 2009.

I have a few questions for those of you already there. First, how long typically are pilots sitting on reserve? I know it probably depends on base but what would you say is an average?

While on reserve, how realistic is it to commute? I currently live in DFW and plan on staying here at least for another few years so I would be needing to commute to either MEM, DTW, or MSP. MEM would probably be my best bet given the shorter distance between DFW. Regardless of which base I am awarded how does commuting work while on reserve?

One more thing I was curious about is regarding the payscale I see here on APC. If a pilot is hired on as an FO on the -900, for example, then upgrades to Captain on the SAAB; how long usually is it before he/she can upgrade to Captain on the RJ?

Thanks for helping me out. As you all know deciding on which airline to commit your future to is a very important, not to mention stressful decision so I am trying to gather as much information as possible. So far Mesaba seems to be the leading canidate from all that I have seen and heard. Republic being another possible airline I may look at. Thanks again!

Why on earth are you waiting that long to apply? IMO...Your window gets smaller every day you let slip by and that's the way you should approach applying.

That is dependent on a lot of things that only those with crystal balls could answer. How many aircraft are on property....how many people pass on the upgrade....Can your seniority hold the RJ.....Are you seatlocked or has the company released the seatlocks....etc???

I would love to apply now, however I am in my last year of college at the University of North Texas. I take 18 credit hours there all day 2 days a week and flight instruct the remaining 5 days. I graduate this up comming summer and will be looking to get on with somebody by that time.

The time to apply is fast approaching and I need to get all my information and facts straight about where to go. I understand how upgrade times can vary based on many different things, but what about my other question regarding reserve time and commuting while on reserve?

all of your questions are really based on seniority. Memphis would be the least senior base to be at though. The reserve time would be shorter there than in MSP (most senior). Commuting on reserve is just like commuting any other time. But you have to be within 1.5 hours of the airplane, which means you must have a crashpad nearby. You can be on 24 hour reserve but that only happens if they take a trip assigned to you away, typically these go to IOE pilots. and just as it says, Mesaba must give you at least a 24 hour notice of when your reserve trip or turn would start. so these are commutable. Mesaba is a good company though, but like anything else in this, you never know whats gonna happen tomorrow. A lot of people thought Mesaba was gonna be out of business a few years ago, now they're doing pretty good.

Good to see your enthusiasm with your career planning. However, mid-2009 will entail a whole new string of good and bad airlines, it's that dynamic. Until you have the minimums, I would just enjoy flight training and college life.