dispatcher training at mesa...

[stickks]

Can anyone that has been through their training tell me what its like and or what to expect? Just curious. Thanks

[manniax]

When I was there, it was 2-3 weeks of classroom training, a couple of weeks OJT, and then a desk check. Also you got a day to go do your required jumpseating. (It may be 2 days there now since you're required 5 hours per each type of a/c...5 hours for jet, 5 hours for prop. When I went through Mesa was mainly prop so we did just prop in initial training and then got signed off on the jets later on. Mesa is mainly jet now but still has some Dash-8's.) There was a written exam at the end of the classroom part and then the desk check was the practical exam. Also there was like one week of systems and then another week of operations type stuff. But it's been well over 10 years so I don't know what it's like right now.

[stickks]

Was the testing hard? Just curious.

[stickks]

Originally Posted by manniax

When I was there, it was 2-3 weeks of classroom training, a couple of weeks OJT, and then a desk check. Also you got a day to go do your required jumpseating. (It may be 2 days there now since you're required 5 hours per each type of a/c...5 hours for jet, 5 hours for prop. When I went through Mesa was mainly prop so we did just prop in initial training and then got signed off on the jets later on. Mesa is mainly jet now but still has some Dash-8's.) There was a written exam at the end of the classroom part and then the desk check was the practical exam. Also there was like one week of systems and then another week of operations type stuff. But it's been well over 10 years so I don't know what it's like right now.

Ok, another question. I am new to all of this. What is a desk check?

[stickks]

Originally Posted by manniax

When I was there, it was 2-3 weeks of classroom training, a couple of weeks OJT, and then a desk check. Also you got a day to go do your required jumpseating. (It may be 2 days there now since you're required 5 hours per each type of a/c...5 hours for jet, 5 hours for prop. When I went through Mesa was mainly prop so we did just prop in initial training and then got signed off on the jets later on. Mesa is mainly jet now but still has some Dash-8's.) There was a written exam at the end of the classroom part and then the desk check was the practical exam. Also there was like one week of systems and then another week of operations type stuff. But it's been well over 10 years so I don't know what it's like right now.

And, they have said nothing to me about drug testing. Not that I do any, just curious. I figured I would take one before I got out there.

[manniax]

A desk check is just when the dispatch trainer observes you doing the job over the course of a shift. They may ask questions, whatever. You have one when you're first signed off and then another one every year after that. Also there is annual recurrent training and you have to jump seat once a year. Drug testing for me there was done right after I started at Mesa. Some airlines do it before you get a job offer and some do it right you start.

[manniax]

Originally Posted by stickks

Was the testing hard? Just curious.

I don't think it was too hard...there was some memorization involved of certain facts...but it wasn't really hardcore or anything. I have no idea what it's like right now since it's been so long since I was out there though.

[stickks]

Originally Posted by manniax

A desk check is just when the dispatch trainer observes you doing the job over the course of a shift. They may ask questions, whatever. You have one when you're first signed off and then another one every year after that. Also there is annual recurrent training and you have to jump seat once a year. Drug testing for me there was done right after I started at Mesa. Some airlines do it before you get a job offer and some do it right you start.

ok that makes sense.

[F9DXER]

They have to feel confident that you know what you are doing and why you are doing it that way. Remember someone is putting their name to that piece of papar that you are qualified. The basics you have, now it is time to get into the meat and potatoes of how MESA operates.

I remember my first check out, had to know the weights for the entire fleet. 50+ acft!, which ones were overwater capable, which ones had HF, what kind of navigation equip. etc etc. PITA!!!!

F9DXER

[stickks]

Originally Posted by F9DXER

They have to feel confident that you know what you are doing and why you are doing it that way. Remember someone is putting their name to that piece of papar that you are qualified. The basics you have, now it is time to get into the meat and potatoes of how MESA operates.

I remember my first check out, had to know the weights for the entire fleet. 50+ acft!, which ones were overwater capable, which ones had HF, what kind of navigation equip. etc etc. PITA!!!!

F9DXER

Thanks everyone for the info. Its all good to know.