Hired!!!

[D_R_ATC]

I got hired by Mesa on the ERJ-145, I'll begin GND School on Dec 03, Very Excited!!! Also got a phone call from Colgan and an e-mail from American Eagle inviting me to interview....Don't know what to do

Any advise to survive ground school and Sim besides studying my tail off...

ahh... almost forgot...TT 450, 105 Multi, 4yr degree, no jet transition/F.O. bridge program or anything like that...9 yrs of ATC experience...that's all

[jlauzer]

Congratulations! You got it, study, study, study! Relax until ground school. Don't stress. Get things squared away at home and go in focused. That said, you will do fine! The sim, anywhere, is intimidating. Try not to stress, I know it's hard. Have all your instrument skills down by then, and you will be taught the rest. Good luck!!

[D_R_ATC]

Cool..Thanks. I've been working on them so it won't bite my behind when I get there. I want to be as sharp as possible, thought a friend of mine that is currently working for Xjet told me that forget all the analog instrument scan...because in the ERJ everything is glass...anyway I' am reviewing Dp's , Star, holdings, etc.

[Kristie]

so are you thinking of going to the Colgan or AE interview? might be better options than Mesa considering what's going on with the Hawaiian thing and contract cost? I have a friend who left there recently (stayed with them for 3 years) and "owes" them thousands of $$ because of the whole training contract...

Congrats on getting accepted for the job...that always feels good!!

[CamYZ125]

Originally Posted by Kristie

I have a friend who left there recently (stayed with them for 3 years) and "owes" them thousands of $$ because of the whole training contract...

Weird, since the training contract lasts months, not years. Unless that person jumped shipped just after upgrade, and did not fulfill their end of the contract..

[D_R_ATC]

Originally Posted by Kristie

so are you thinking of going to the Colgan or AE interview? might be better options than Mesa considering what's going on with the Hawaiian thing and contract cost? I have a friend who left there recently (stayed with them for 3 years) and "owes" them thousands of $$ because of the whole training contract...

Congrats on getting accepted for the job...that always feels good!!

Thanks Kristie..Yeah I am thinking about attending the AE and Colgan Interviews...and I just found out that the ATL base for Mesa/Freedom is going away in Dec. And from what I was told at the interview "MCO as a base for a junior F.O. not likely" so I guess I am left with either JFK or IAD. I don't really care much for JFK...we'll see how things turnout.

[Matt777]

American Eagle wants to interview you with 450TT? That is a great opportunity, compared to Mesa, the sleeziest bottomfeeder regional. A former Mesa employee tells me that if you spend a half hour in Mesa ops you will see at least one pilot storm in and throw his badge down on the counter and quit because they work you so hard and pay so little. They get a pile of badges each day from their exhausted pilots. That is why Mesa hires pilots with 250TT.

The thought of being hired is very exciting, but the fact that AE wants to interview you with 450TT indicates that the shortage has in fact begun and this puts you in a good position... a position to interview at a real airline: American Eagle, which actually pays fairly (what a concept!).
One of our former instructors went to AE and enjoys it.

If you live in Puyallup, WA you could choose to be based in Chicago with AE. You might prefer that to being in the south?

You are in demand. Don't sign a "training contract" that puts you in debt when you choose to leave a scumbag airline. I base my Mesa comments mostly on what a former Mesa employee tells me (not first-hand experience), so if any Mesa people disagree, you can skip getting mad and simply submit your corrections - I don't do pissing matches.

[flyTotheSky]

DO NOT GO TO MESA! I pulled this off another aviation forum. It is written by a current Mesa guy very recently. It can't get any more accurate than this... Mesa will suck the life out of you. Give Colgan or Eagle a shot. Just lookin' out bro'!




TOP 10 REASONS NEVER TO COME TO MESA


SELF RESPECT
-Every regional is hiring at this very moment. Not mention you are doing yourself
and your fellow pilots a disservice by working at Mesa. Why would anyone
settle for substandard working conditions and pay.

ONE OF THE WORST CONTRACTS IN THE INDUSTRY
-only 8 days off/bid
-first and second year FO pay is the lowest in the regionals
-no cancellation pay
-no duty/trip rigs
-management continually violates the contract
-5th year CA pay is $61/hr for the CRJ-200
-Skywest 64, AWAC 68, PSA 68,

SOME OF THE LONGEST UPGRADE TIMES IN THE INDUSTRY
-CRJ BNA-2001, CLT 2001, PHX 2000, ORD 2003, IAD 2004
-ERJ ATL 2004, IAD 2004, MCO 2004

NO QUALITY OF LIFE
-Constant Junior Manning due to lack of crews and poor planning by management
-1900 domiciles continually open and close every couple of months resulting in constant displacements and extra costs to employees because of breaking rental contracts. Many of the 1900 bases are not commutable
-Many pilots only get 4-6 days at home each bid even if they live in domicile
-Many pilots can’t pay the bills because they receive no cx pay especially in ORD

THE HIGHEST LATERAL ATTRITION IN THE INDUSTRY
-Mesa has lost nearly 600 pilots through September, most are FO leaving to go to other regionals. While you may think this will allow you to upgrade faster, you would be absolutely wrong! Mesa is holding back upgrades for months and delaying upgrades altogether.
-Mesa will have over 250 out of 1600 pilots time out in Nov/Dec because of all the Junior Manning.
-Pilots are fedup and ready to burn this place to the ground

MESA’S FINANCIAL HEALTH IS IN SERIOUS DECLINE
-Mesa’s stock price is at a 52 week low and going lower putting them in position for a hostile takeover
-GO! is absolutely sucking the company dry…over $122 million lost in the past year
-Hawaiian has brough an $177 million lawsuit against Mesa that will result in GO! going out of business and possibly a significant fine in the 10s of millions


HOME TO THE MOST CORRUPT CEO IN AMERICA
-Need I say more…JO has been convicted of SEC violations and continually takes pleasure in destroying pilot morale

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN A TRAINING CONTRACT
-after 6 months when you realize this the worst place to work in the U.S and you’re ready to take all that great jet time with you to another regional they come after you for thousands of dollars and attempt to ruin your credit.

YOU MUST PAY FOR YOUR HOTEL DURING TRAINING
-That’s right…you pay for your hotel! You can forget about making money for 2 months because you’ll be paying for meals and hotels.

MESA IS GRADUALLY MOVING FLYING TO CHINA
-The first CRJ has already arrived and JO has already stated that one day in the near future he could see Mesa as exclusively an international company.

[WalterSobchak]

Dude seriously don't go to Mesa. It's like asking the fat chick to prom. If you want to go with some one good, but might be rejected by asking them take the fat chick(Mesa). Everyone is hiring with 450 hours right now and places that will treat you like a human being. Even Trans States is great compared to Mesa if you are hung up on the erj. You aren't helping any one out by going to that POS.

[Kristie]

Originally Posted by CamYZ125

Weird, since the training contract lasts months, not years. Unless that person jumped shipped just after upgrade, and did not fulfill their end of the contract..

now that i think about it, i think that is what happened...

[JEP]

Originally Posted by WalterSobchak

Dude seriously don't go to Mesa. It's like asking the fat chick to prom. If you want to go with some one good, but might be rejected by asking them take the fat chick(Mesa). Everyone is hiring with 450 hours right now and places that will treat you like a human being. Even Trans States is great compared to Mesa if you are hung up on the erj. You aren't helping any one out by going to that POS.

....except maybe himself....True, alot of people don't like Mesa, but if it works for him, who are you or anyone else to say?

[Aero_Engineer]

If you like this profession DO NOT GO TO MESA!!!!!

[av8sean]

Interview with AE and Colgan.... if they don't hire you, work at Mesa for a few months and then goto Skywest etc... The training contract is pro-rated, even if they force you to pay it, you'll make the money back very quickly working at a higher paying company.

[falconvalley]

Originally Posted by Kristie

so are you thinking of going to the Colgan or AE interview? might be better options than Mesa considering what's going on with the Hawaiian thing and contract cost? I have a friend who left there recently (stayed with them for 3 years) and "owes" them thousands of $$ because of the whole training contract...

Congrats on getting accepted for the job...that always feels good!!

Originally Posted by Matt777

American Eagle wants to interview you with 450TT? That is a great opportunity, compared to Mesa, the sleeziest bottomfeeder regional. A former Mesa employee tells me that if you spend a half hour in Mesa ops you will see at least one pilot storm in and throw his badge down on the counter and quit because they work you so hard and pay so little. They get a pile of badges each day from their exhausted pilots. That is why Mesa hires pilots with 250TT.

The thought of being hired is very exciting, but the fact that AE wants to interview you with 450TT indicates that the shortage has in fact begun and this puts you in a good position... a position to interview at a real airline: American Eagle, which actually pays fairly (what a concept!).
One of our former instructors went to AE and enjoys it.

If you live in Puyallup, WA you could choose to be based in Chicago with AE. You might prefer that to being in the south?

You are in demand. Don't sign a "training contract" that puts you in debt when you choose to leave a scumbag airline. I base my Mesa comments mostly on what a former Mesa employee tells me (not first-hand experience), so if any Mesa people disagree, you can skip getting mad and simply submit your corrections - I don't do pissing matches.

Originally Posted by flyTotheSky

DO NOT GO TO MESA! I pulled this off another aviation forum. It is written by a current Mesa guy very recently. It can't get any more accurate than this... Mesa will suck the life out of you. Give Colgan or Eagle a shot. Just lookin' out bro'!




TOP 10 REASONS NEVER TO COME TO MESA


SELF RESPECT
-Every regional is hiring at this very moment. Not mention you are doing yourself
and your fellow pilots a disservice by working at Mesa. Why would anyone
settle for substandard working conditions and pay.

ONE OF THE WORST CONTRACTS IN THE INDUSTRY
-only 8 days off/bid
-first and second year FO pay is the lowest in the regionals
-no cancellation pay
-no duty/trip rigs
-management continually violates the contract
-5th year CA pay is $61/hr for the CRJ-200
-Skywest 64, AWAC 68, PSA 68,

SOME OF THE LONGEST UPGRADE TIMES IN THE INDUSTRY
-CRJ BNA-2001, CLT 2001, PHX 2000, ORD 2003, IAD 2004
-ERJ ATL 2004, IAD 2004, MCO 2004

NO QUALITY OF LIFE
-Constant Junior Manning due to lack of crews and poor planning by management
-1900 domiciles continually open and close every couple of months resulting in constant displacements and extra costs to employees because of breaking rental contracts. Many of the 1900 bases are not commutable
-Many pilots only get 4-6 days at home each bid even if they live in domicile
-Many pilots can’t pay the bills because they receive no cx pay especially in ORD

THE HIGHEST LATERAL ATTRITION IN THE INDUSTRY
-Mesa has lost nearly 600 pilots through September, most are FO leaving to go to other regionals. While you may think this will allow you to upgrade faster, you would be absolutely wrong! Mesa is holding back upgrades for months and delaying upgrades altogether.
-Mesa will have over 250 out of 1600 pilots time out in Nov/Dec because of all the Junior Manning.
-Pilots are fedup and ready to burn this place to the ground

MESA’S FINANCIAL HEALTH IS IN SERIOUS DECLINE
-Mesa’s stock price is at a 52 week low and going lower putting them in position for a hostile takeover
-GO! is absolutely sucking the company dry…over $122 million lost in the past year
-Hawaiian has brough an $177 million lawsuit against Mesa that will result in GO! going out of business and possibly a significant fine in the 10s of millions


HOME TO THE MOST CORRUPT CEO IN AMERICA
-Need I say more…JO has been convicted of SEC violations and continually takes pleasure in destroying pilot morale

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN A TRAINING CONTRACT
-after 6 months when you realize this the worst place to work in the U.S and you’re ready to take all that great jet time with you to another regional they come after you for thousands of dollars and attempt to ruin your credit.

YOU MUST PAY FOR YOUR HOTEL DURING TRAINING
-That’s right…you pay for your hotel! You can forget about making money for 2 months because you’ll be paying for meals and hotels.

MESA IS GRADUALLY MOVING FLYING TO CHINA
-The first CRJ has already arrived and JO has already stated that one day in the near future he could see Mesa as exclusively an international company.

Originally Posted by WalterSobchak

Dude seriously don't go to Mesa. It's like asking the fat chick to prom. If you want to go with some one good, but might be rejected by asking them take the fat chick(Mesa). Everyone is hiring with 450 hours right now and places that will treat you like a human being. Even Trans States is great compared to Mesa if you are hung up on the erj. You aren't helping any one out by going to that POS.

Originally Posted by Aero_Engineer

If you like this profession DO NOT GO TO MESA!!!!!

Originally Posted by av8sean

Interview with AE and Colgan.... if they don't hire you, work at Mesa for a few months and then goto Skywest etc... The training contract is pro-rated, even if they force you to pay it, you'll make the money back very quickly working at a higher paying company.

D_R_ATC, you evened mentioned a few reasons to at least, give the other two companies a shot. Remember, they not only will be interviewing you, you will be interviewing them! Seriously, you would only ADD to the possibilities. You've kinda made it sound like you've heard a few disappointing things and haven't really mentioned anything that really excites you about Mesa that other companies can't offer you.

[D_R_ATC]

Originally Posted by falconvalley

D_R_ATC, you evened mentioned a few reasons to at least, give the other two companies a shot. Remember, they not only will be interviewing you, you will be interviewing them! Seriously, you would only ADD to the possibilities. You've kinda made it sound like you've heard a few disappointing things and haven't really mentioned anything that really excites you about Mesa that other companies can't offer you.

I am interviewing with Colgan next week and on Dec with AE. I realize that there are some companies out there better than Mesa. Better in terms of working conditions - well at least thats the information I have based on what I got from this site and other pilots I know - However, I spoke to a Mesa pilot and all he had to say was positive. He did mention that obviously, there is room for improvement. One of the things that really excite me about Mesa is the fact that they are giving me the opportunity to fly a jet and I think that is pretty cool. - and it is my understanding that jet time is more valuable than turboprop time - (correct me if i'm wrong) That being said, I just found out that they are closing the ATL base as of Dec of this year and I was kind of hoping to get that. I don't really want to go to JFK or AID. I would'n t mind MCO but I was told it is a senior base. I think that if things go well at Colgan and I get IAH I'll go for it.

[Kristie]

Originally Posted by av8sean

Interview with AE and Colgan.... if they don't hire you, work at Mesa for a few months and then goto Skywest etc... The training contract is pro-rated, even if they force you to pay it, you'll make the money back very quickly working at a higher paying company.

really? are they that much higher paying? I figured a couple dollars different but i don't see "very quickly" when it comes to a few thousand dollars or whatever the pro-rated fee would be...esp when there are other bills to pay as well (like rent/crashpad etc).

Altho if the "training contract" is only 6 months, that's really not too too bad as far as time is concerned. but i hate too see people "pay" more than they have to.

[Kristie]

Originally Posted by D_R_ATC

and it is my understanding that jet time is more valuable than turboprop time - (correct me if i'm wrong)

more valuable as in how? there are different terms to the word "value".

I hear that getting turbo time is actually very valuable "experience" wise...I hear that it makes you a better qualified pilot (able to handle things better by experiencing different aircraft types than "just a jet")....and it's something different than a jet to fly because once you fly a jet, you won't want to move backwards and fly prop just for the sheer fun of it.

Although I don't know how old you are, I figure, you've got a lifetime to fly a jet....have some fun and fly a prop cuz i hear prop flying is pretty darn fun not to mention knowledgeable and skillful....

[Cruise]

Originally Posted by D_R_ATC

..........One of the things that really excite me about Mesa is the fact that they are giving me the opportunity to fly a jet and I think that is pretty cool. - and it is my understanding that jet time is more valuable than turboprop time - (correct me if i'm wrong)..........

Congrats on deciding to interview with the other regionals. But I need to comment on your statement above because it is very discouraging.

It's obvious, from your statement, you'd like to fly a jet. But that attitude, also know as SJS (Shiny Jet Syndrome), is EXACTLY what is bringing this industry down. You are playing right into the tactics of shady airline management who lure in noobish pilots just 'so they can fly jets' and pay them poorly to do so. In light of that, I urge you to exclude airframe types when interviewing. Instead, look at the important issues such as QOL, payrates, days off, commuter policies, etc.... Jets aren't going anywhere......but your sanity will if you accept a job just to 'fly a jet.'

Furthermore, your understanding of Jet time being more valuable than Turboprop time is WRONG. Plain and simple. What really matters is Turbine time......which, you'll be logging in either type of aircraft (TP or Jet).

Hope this helps to shed some light on your situation. Good luck at the Colgan and AE interviews. I'd venture to guess either company would be better than Mesa. But only you will be able to decide what's best for you. However, at least you've got more information now.

[ClearedToThe]

Originally Posted by D_R_ATC

I am interviewing with Colgan next week and on Dec with AE. I realize that there are some companies out there better than Mesa. Better in terms of working conditions - well at least thats the information I have based on what I got from this site and other pilots I know - However, I spoke to a Mesa pilot and all he had to say was positive. He did mention that obviously, there is room for improvement. One of the things that really excite me about Mesa is the fact that they are giving me the opportunity to fly a jet and I think that is pretty cool. - and it is my understanding that jet time is more valuable than turboprop time - (correct me if i'm wrong) That being said, I just found out that they are closing the ATL base as of Dec of this year and I was kind of hoping to get that. I don't really want to go to JFK or AID. I would'n t mind MCO but I was told it is a senior base. I think that if things go well at Colgan and I get IAH I'll go for it.

As has been previously stated, please don't go to a company simply because they'll let you fly a jet. Its that attitude towards flying that is bringing the industry down. Everyone is willing to slave themselves out "just for the time being" to build their time and move onto that "dream job" at the majors. But look what has happened as of late due to this....less mainline flying and more "regionals" (using the term loosely - see COMAIR's CVG-COS route) taking the routes and now those "dream jobs" are no longer there.

The regionals are saying "Hey look! People will fly for Mesa under thier crappy conditions and substandard pay. Soooooo why are we paying our pilots so much? Maybe we could cut costs and increase profit by reducing OUR pay?"

The majors are saying "Hey look! The regionals can do the flying for less cost than we can! Sooooo why are we flying all these routes? Maybe we could cut costs and increase profit by giving more routes to the regionals and cutback on our mainline routes?"

See where this is going?

Everyone (well most) are here at JC to learn! I know I am.

Just my 2 cents

[D_R_ATC]

I urge you to exclude airframe types when interviewing. Instead, look at the important issues such as QOL, payrates, days off, commuter policies, etc.... Jets aren't going anywhere......but your sanity will if you accept a job just to 'fly a jet.'

Furthermore, your understanding of Jet time being more valuable than Turboprop time is WRONG. Plain and simple. What really matters is Turbine time......which, you'll be logging in either type of aircraft (TP or Jet).

Hope this helps to shed some light on your situation. Good luck at the Colgan and AE interviews. I'd venture to guess either company would be better than Mesa. But only you will be able to decide what's best for you. However, at least you've got more information now. [/quote]

Thanks for the info it really helps. I've been thinking very seriously about not going to Mesa - family issues mainly - and the whole thing about closing ATL base. My goals is to relocate either in Atl or Hou and be close to my base. Commuting is something I'll avoid to the maximum. If the commute does not exceed 2.5 hours I would consider something like that. That is why if everything goes well at Colgan, I will definetly go there.

[skidz]

Originally Posted by D_R_ATC

Furthermore, your understanding of Jet time being more valuable than Turboprop time is WRONG. Plain and simple. What really matters is Turbine time......which, you'll be logging in either type of aircraft (TP or Jet).

chicks dig jet guys though

[Zero1Niner]

Originally Posted by ClearedToThe

As has been previously stated, please don't go to a company simply because they'll let you fly a jet. Its that attitude towards flying that is bringing the industry down. Everyone is willing to slave themselves out "just for the time being" to build their time and move onto that "dream job" at the majors. But look what has happened as of late due to this....less mainline flying and more "regionals" (using the term loosely - see COMAIR's CVG-COS route) taking the routes and now those "dream jobs" are no longer there.

The regionals are saying "Hey look! People will fly for Mesa under thier crappy conditions and substandard pay. Soooooo why are we paying our pilots so much? Maybe we could cut costs and increase profit by reducing OUR pay?"

The majors are saying "Hey look! The regionals can do the flying for less cost than we can! Sooooo why are we flying all these routes? Maybe we could cut costs and increase profit by giving more routes to the regionals and cutback on our mainline routes?"

See where this is going?

Everyone (well most) are here at JC to learn! I know I am.

Just my 2 cents

I just dont understand the logic in these kinds of statements. What should he do? Turn down the job for the 'greater good' of the industry? Thats just silly. If he turns down he job, there will be 20 more right behind him that would be willing to get paid less.

My suspicion as to why the majors are farming out to the regionals is much more complicated than a pilot willing to accept low pay. I think it has as much or more to do with the demand for those flights, and what the customer is willing to pay for the fare.

I say good for you DR ATC! Congratulations! Do whatever you have to do to accomplish your personal goals!

[ClearedToThe]

No single raindrop believes it's to blame for the flood either...

And yes my advice would be to not take the Mesa job, but rather apply (and interview as the case is here) to a better regional and make more money and have a better QOL. I would say that is more satisfying as far as personal achievement goes, rather than just "settling" for a bottom feeder regional.

The whole purpose of JC is to educate people about the industry so there won't be 20 people in line behind him to take that Mesa job.

But hey - if his personal achievement involves spending an overnight sleeping in the airplane, then I'd say go for it.

DR ATC, good luck on your other interviews!

[falconvalley]

Originally Posted by D_R_ATC

I am interviewing with Colgan next week and on Dec with AE. I realize that there are some companies out there better than Mesa. Better in terms of working conditions - well at least thats the information I have based on what I got from this site and other pilots I know - However, I spoke to a Mesa pilot and all he had to say was positive. He did mention that obviously, there is room for improvement. One of the things that really excite me about Mesa is the fact that they are giving me the opportunity to fly a jet and I think that is pretty cool. - and it is my understanding that jet time is more valuable than turboprop time - (correct me if i'm wrong) That being said, I just found out that they are closing the ATL base as of Dec of this year and I was kind of hoping to get that. I don't really want to go to JFK or AID. I would'n t mind MCO but I was told it is a senior base. I think that if things go well at Colgan and I get IAH I'll go for it.

You ARE wrong and have absolutely nothing to back that statement up. You do know that the founder of this websight was a turboprop captain when he got hired at a Major? Don't let someone else's overzealous statements turn you into someone who can't see in color.