I am very new to this industry. I went through the Mesa Pilot Development Program, and was hired with 300 TT. I now have 160 hours in the ERJ, and it's clear to me that MAPD was originally designed to get someone on to the 1900. Putting people straight onto a jet is skipping a very important step, stick time on the 1900. That being said, I'm grateful the program was there for me. I will do my best, keep a positive attitude and move on when my marketability allows. I happen to love flying, and always assumed a company with a "fast track" program like MAPD wasn't going to be top-of-the-line from the employee's perspective.

Apparently it is my duty to pledge my hatred of Jonathan Ornstein. Why is that? I'm certainly willing to discuss shortcomings of the company, but I'm not willing to participate in spreading rumors I have personally found to be untrue. Don't the low wages at Mesa speak equally, if not more, about the failure of ALPA? Why is all the blame going to Jonathan Ornstein? Does that mean I think he's god and gets off scot-free? Of course not. But isn't it not any CEO's responsibility to get people to do the most work possible for the lowest wages possible? That's the free market, that's competition. It seems to me too many people claim to believe in free markets except when it comes to THEIR industry.

All this said, I don't mean this to come across as hostile to other pilots. I really want to learn and grow in this industry, and it's in that spirit I'm making these comments and asking these questions.

Thanks for your knowledge and experience, and have a great day.

I just fired up the BBQ, coals are getting hot, anyone ready for a roast?

stanrhintx,

All valid questions and points of view. Unfortunately you're unlikely to get any valid answers on a message board since those that might agree with you probably keep to themselves. Those that don't won't offer any intelligent comment on the subject.

I think it's great that you have been successful in your training and making it out onto the line. I think it's even better that you're wondering about how everything comes together. Ask questions of your captains, observe, and learn. Make your own judgements about the company, the industry, the union, and where things are headed. Don't let anybody force their line of rhetoric on you... instead come to your own conclusions.

Most importantly of all- keep upbeat and positive. Even though things might not be the best at times, those that can rise above the negativity are the ones that are most likely to land on their feet and find something in aviation that fits them well.

No. MAG ALPA gave away the farm to scope Freedom (surely you know the Freedom story) and secure ONE SENIORITY LIST for Mesa pilots. Could MAG pilots have gotten better workrules and/or payrates and still won scope? Possibly, but airplanes and jobs had already starting going to Freedom and Mesa pilots were afraid for their jobs. It would have been a moot point had A listers not stepped on other's backs for their own career progression...but I digress. ALPA did not fail Mesa in that Mesa pilots still had to ratify that TA, and they did. If it was for growth, if it was for fear, whatever...each pilot that voted YES is responsible for Mesa's current contract, and each pilot that voted yes *is ALPA*.


Because your CEO says "As long as resumes cross my desk, I know I'm paying my pilots too much." The sad thing? He's got a point - people are willing to work for Mesa and accept their pay & work rules. I was not, so my resume never crossed his desk. If people quit applying, they'd have no choice but to change the way they compensate pilots. Skywest had trouble getting pilots - they started paying during training, paid for uniforms, etc...Mesa just lowers minimums.

Freight Cowboy-

Don't be an *******. Just because that guy has a better job than you do doesn't give you the right say that kind of stuff. I won't hold my breath on a quick reply b/c your probably sleeping so you can fly my checks/film etc. all night.

Lower pay or not, flying a new, airworthy, clean, glass jet full of people is a better gig than you have. Best of luck to you, as you'll never get a job with anyone besides AA with a poor outlook on life like yours.

not a pro pilot myself...but...
flying freight is a bad thing? ive sat in the back of many regional aircraft..hearing all the complaints passengers make....i wouldnt want to deal with that. if i was a pro pilot id rather fly boxes..
o yea.. aren't UPS pilots now the highest paid?
fed ex seems to be doing pretty good too.
i mean with the way u guys are readily taking on low paying jobs at the regional level, whats next? flying for no pay? jus cuz its a ''brand new jet''
kinda sad if u ask me

FedEx and UPS are a different animal than freight cowboy is flying. I wouldn't put my in-laws pet poodle in the hands of some of those companies.

Cargo is not a desirable lifestyle as the only time you have to sleep is when the rest of the world, including your family, is awake, and living their lives. Works well for some, but it is not held widely as the best job out there.

dingo222- witty and quick reply. Very cool

Freightcowboy- wow, what can I say? Let's leave it this- have a nice evening, and I hold no hard feelings towards you. All the best...

FlyerJosh- thanks!! great info and great advice.

BoilerUP- great information. I really appreciate you taking the time to help educate me. You and Josh's response in particular are to me the epitome what a web site like this should be about- educating and helping one another.

Mwrong, sjs Biotchhhhhhhhhhhh! You make me sick.

compare Mesa payscale to PSA, pinnacle, eagle, TSA,commutair, colgan, chq etc,its the same so why dose everyone talk about MEsa pay?