Going to Mesa interview 11/4, 11/5?

[Tatoosh65]

"A-V-8TER"
Stepping Stone? There are no more stepping stones. What's happening at our "Regionals" is affecting that position that you think your going to step to someday. Bud, its alittle bit more than just supply and demand. Thats just your way of simplifying the larger issues that need to be addressed to those that entering this industry. Your defense is weak and overplayed, and sorry but lacks foresight. Why will you lower yourself and your brothers and sisters. Why? because someone else will do it. And twelve months later I would like to talk to you when your stuck at Mesa, a comany you thought was just a stepping stone, and now you see that it never supported you, just exploited you, like you thought you'd exploit it. But the only diffrence is now you see that your going to be a Mesa RJ Captain for the rest of your career. And in order to keep your job at your stepping stone you will have maintain your industry bottom wages and work rules. Ask youself why you want to get into this profession. And go to work for company that you think has some glimmer of integrity and will allow you to attain those career objectives. There is nothing progressive about Mesa Airlines. Yesterday I flew a three hour leg, hub to hub, in my "regional jet", does anybody see where this is going.
PIGS LED TO THE SLAUGHTER.
STEPPING STONE?

 

[ERJdca]

Tatoosh65,


"Brothers and Sisters" ? Eh? The same "brothers and sisters" that continue to degrade mesa pilots? Id like apologize that we mesa pilots are not as good and professional as you are.

These guys have 1000hours. Your going to tell them to hold out??? Easy for you to say sitting in your cushy seat. Last i checked, aca isn't hiring, how many on furlough? (and how long and how worse will that get?) Comair, unless you have 121 experiance you ain't going nowhere, alg, piedmont, coex???? How long should these guys hold out? Is mesa the only "bottom feeder" out there??? I don't think so, and you know what, i treat everyone with the same amount of respect no matter what their badge says.

And please explain how we are all stuck at mesa for the rest of our lives???

 

[WmuBronco]

Slow-tationlover, what intelligence you have. I did not bash anyone but Ornstein, and all you have is insults. I suggest you do a little more research, and learn about the labor issues involving pilots and management.

I think my resume covers just a little bit more than yours.
CFI, Cargo pilot, furloughed co-ex, Skywest, and back to Coex.

Oh please won't you tell me something intelligent again, how about, " my daddy could beat up your daddy, go back to michigan", spare me. You must be one of those guys that will take any job condition to fly a jet. Too bad ya'll just don't get it.
There are cargo jobs out there. I suggest you get some experience there, then apply for the, non-J.O. type ran companies.

Oh, to you Mesaba guys/gals out there that was not a bash on you, it was on your management, hang in there!

 

[CitationLover]

experienced in cargo bronco-billy and i cfi'd. care to have more of a pissing contest. on top of that I was in business for 7 years and understand economics unlike you. was your major english?

keep blindly following your labor leaders as they lead you down the dead end road.

i bet ornstein could kick your a$$. if not, he'll run you over with one of his 15 motorcycles. he may be a prick, but he is building a growing airline that provides jobs.

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

I will have to agree. Mesa is a hole. No bash to anybody flying there, but when you move on and look back at it you will see.


I have never met a single pilot that worked there that would return.

In a related fact, USAir has gone through the entire list of 1800+ furloughees for the J4J and could not get more than a 150 or so to take a position at Mesa. That should give you a feel for the working conditions there. Of the 1800 I would say that at least half are ex regional pilots, many from mesa.

From personal experience I can tell you that not only is Mesa bad compared to a Major (No secret there) , they are sludge compared to other regionals.


If you have a choice, go elsewhere.

 

[CitationLover]

all im saying is why the inherent hostility toward those going and those already there.

if you think it is that bad, don't goto mesa.

 

[Tatoosh65]

ERJdca,
Yes Mesa pilots are taking alot of heat and probably will continue to due to the fact that they are gobbling up market share with a CEO who states to a national newspaper that he intends to gain that market share with the "cheapest labor in the industry." Hey man, there are a lot of good people at Mesa, I know some personally, thats not what this is about. I realize that the whole Freedom thing was out of control and you guys had to do what you had to get the reigns on that one, but the job is far from done. I fully support your efforts to improve your working conditions, and as long as your not on that Freedom list your welcome to ride my jumpseat anytime. As far as someone who is thinking about going to Mesa, well this is the reality, and a little investigation into what one is getting themselves into is in order. There are alot of things I wish someone had told me before I took the leap. Would it have changed my decisions, maybe maybe not, that was some time ago. ERJdca, would it have changed yours??????? How good is it?

 

[AirBoard]

Wow, Mesa good for you. Tell JO we're not intersted on your way out the door (he's right by the table of eX-tasy and KY). You've think you've seen poor performance Mesa stats, wait till you've see ACA pilots included in this incestuous, sell-out family. We'll have to make JO regret he ever launched this takeover. ACA pilots won't work for sub standard wages.

 

[ChinaClipper]

Have a nice cup of STFU.......

If you are interested in learning your craft, go to Mesa. Fly the Beech on the East coast, soon you will be pretty good. Upgrade to the jet, then you'll forget all the great hand flying skills you learned and have some fun. Mesa folks (NOT MANGERS!) are some of the nicest people around. Get experience, be as mean as a snake to the Freedumb Air folks and volunteer for your union. Fight JO like the evil that he is and move on. Half the people that are doggin' this post PAID FOR THEIR JOBS. Don't let anyone who PFT'd lecture you about ANYTHING concerning "professionalism" or "selling out" Paying for you job is like being a pedophile, once the deed is done, they can't stop. PSA took paycuts to get jets, ALG and PDT at least stood their ground and that counts for a lot. The list of "Sellouts" is LONG. The other winers here have no problem replacing MAINLINE flying with their RJ's etc, they to should sit down and have a nice cup of STFU!. I say if you are a CFI and wanna go fly, go to Mesa. Your chance to fly all over the country with some great pilots is invaluable. But work just as hard on the professional development side, as your flying skills, and you'll do fine. Good luck.

 

[a-v-8er]

"Tatoosh65"

I know what you're saying and you're probably correct. I was generalizing and I know that a regional might turn into a lifer for many of us starting out now.

I'm wouldn't try to exploit an employer for my own career, just like I'd like to think that the employer isn't doing the same to me. However, given the circumstances and choices at the table for my self and many others in my situation (just getting out of flight instructing very soon hopefully) with limited options, I will take whatever job I can get. I'm burned out flying pistons, making less money than the lowest paid FO's for these "plague" companies everybody keeps referring them as. So, compared to my own set of choices I would leave my current job for a position with Mesa, Chautauqua, CommutAir or any other of the ones that always seem to get a good bashing on this forum.

Is it my dreamjob? No, but a step in the right direction for myself and I understand what you meant by saying that I'm only selling myself short in the long run by accepting to work for a company like these airlines. Like everybody else, I too would like some quality of life, but compared to the current situation for many of us CFI's it starts with just getting any FO job. I'm not going to "hold out" and wait for better times or better contracts with a company that would be my first choice. If someone wants me, I'll take it and make the best of it for the time being and if it turn out to be a career, oh well, at least I made it somewhere instead of "holding out" for an opportunity that never came along within reasonable time.

 

[Tatoosh65]

A-V-8er
I do understand where your coming from. I really do. Your going to do what your going to do, no problem. I'm just trying to shed a little light on the reality of this industry and how it really operates once you get that job and you think its your big break. The attitude of essentially "I'll fly for free, just let me in the door" is killing "us" and your included, and eventually if not already you will see this. Mesa management is now priding itself on having the lowest labor costs in the regional industry, and will continue the cycle of degradation. Also, aside from all the ethics and industry stuff, lets just chat a moment about happiness/satisfaction/quality of life/whatever you want to call it. This is the most important thing in our lives right.? Believe me man its not fun to go to work everyaday and have deal with the BS and constant struggle of working for a company that is out to constantly police you and intimadate you. I worked for an Airline like that and its not fun. Moral is low all the time, angry, bitter, and just all around takes the buzz out of you. Its a hard thing to do to work for a company when everyday you come to work and you feel like your not getting a fair deal. It just down right sucks.
Theres more to life than just flying airplanes, we can't just be pilots. At least I can't, I wouldn't be happy. A friend of mine is like yourself and is waiting for the "call." And he asked me what I thought about him going to work for a small regional out of I think Albany. The first thing I asked him was, "where do you want to live?" Because this is no longer a little two or three year adventure this very potentially could be a long time. He said, Portland Oregon. I replied, then no way. Hold out for an interview at Skywest or Horizon, and in the meantime work on getting a job at Ameriflight, Airpac, Lifeflight, or Corprate if your sick of being a CFI. Those jobs are still out there. Why because all of those would be better than living anywhere that you don't want, or livinging a crashpad and commuting across the country with no money and no life and on top of all of that maybe the company sucks. It will just take you that much longer to get you back to that quality of life you had when you were a CFI. Everybody's situation is different. But this is from someone who's been there and done that. For what its worth. There is validity to this I promise.
NO MORE STEPPING STONES. LIVE FIRST
My two cents, good luck

 

[Frank Abagnale]

did everyone miss the part of the interview where JO said:

JO: pilots are still overpaid

How do you figure?

JO: because I dont have a problem filling new hire classes

(this is not a dirrect quote, it is the jist of it)

 

[a-v-8er]

"Tatoosh65"

I hear what you're saying and it makes total sense. I am a little apprehensive about getting onboard with a company that I don't see myself commiting long term to, but everybodys situation is different and having recieved little appreciation, worked long days with no or little pay as a CFI for two and a half years without hardly any vacation time I'd be willing to take my chances. If I had an opportunity to actually choose where I wanted to go, then YES I would wait for that option, but as it stands now with limited choices my quality of life right now would honestly be improved by a move to any of these regionals. Could I regret this later? Possibly, but I got to look at what I have right now and not hold out for a hope of a better quality life later when the current quality of life really isn't there! I appreciate you help though and I think I do realize what I might be getting into. Just don't blame someone else for making your own job situation worse by taking a job than improves their situation. Now PFT or working for free is just going too far, but when I say I would be working less and making more money (and steady) at these low paying regionals than I do now, that to me seems like a start! I litterally cannot afford to wait out for a better chance to come along right now... but thanks for all the input and if things on the table were different I would obviously choose happiness, job satisfaction and quality of living over any pilot position. For me it's just that right now that position seems so much better than the present and maybe I'll want to kill myself for saying this after I've worked and commuted for some time at a place like this, but it seems so much better right now than trying to turn every penny over while recieving no thanks for all hard hours at work. The only ones giving you some appreciation of your hard work are your students, unfortunately the owners and paycheck have a very different story to tell...

 

[texanpilot]

av8r,
I am sure you know this but putting regionals and long-term in the same sentence is a bit of an oxymoron. You go there to get trubine experience, slide to the left seat, and kiss them good-by. Thats it.

 

[BAe3100FO]

Getting back to where we started...

I interviewed 11-05:

My experience:
Very relaxed atmosphere, perhaps a little too relaxed. Not sure if that's just a way to see if you'll "slip up somewhere".
Have to love it when the pilot group who interviews you goes out of their way to ease any jittery nerves.

I feel good about the whole experience. Would definately take anything offered to me. And seeing as how Chautauqua, SkyWest, or Horizon haven't called me...I'd be a fool not to gain valuable 121 turbine time. Perhaps six-months from now, I'll be singing a different tune...until then I'm happy to of had the opportunity.

I've read all about how "negative" pilots feel towards Mesa. And I understand where some of the feelings come from, however I'm not an expert and do not claim to be. (even though we did stay in a Holiday Inn).

But to all those who interviewed or will soon be, best of luck to all of you. I feel they ask the questions based on the individuals specific background/experience level...not so much as far as total time is concerned. So where ever you stand, be ready for those types of questions. But read at your own risk...as I have yet to be called with a "thumbs up"

 

[Piedmonster]

Dude just remember one thing

I have nothing against any pilot that works for Mesa, but just remember this...... Everyone hates what Mesa stands for and that means when you work for them you will probably get bashed even if undeserved. Help our industry out and go elsewhere if you can

 

[GogglesPisano]

av8r,
I am sure you know this but putting regionals and long-term in the same sentence is a bit of an oxymoron. You go there to get trubine experience, slide to the left seat, and kiss them good-by. Thats it.

And move on to where, exactly?

Crunch the numbers. We all can't take the few hundred slots at AirTran, JetBlue and SWA next year, or the year after.

The old "But I will. I'll be the lucky one," mentality is ruining this profession.

 

[sf3boy]

As Texan put it: go the regionals to get the turbine time in the left seat and get out. That is great advice and the career plan for many aspiring pilots.........10 years ago. I have been an FO for close to 5 years with no chance of "sliding" to the left seat in either a prop or a jet.

If you get on with a regional, be prepared to make it a career move, that is, until that crap hole (formerly known as "The Great Regional Job") goes under. You can insert any regional carrier into the Crap Hole slot. Lakes, Mesa, Eagle, Express I, Air Willy....They are all the same.

Soon to join the list of "Formerly Great Regionals", is Mesaba Airlines; dba Mesaba Holdings, INC. Wait, they have been there for a couple of years now.

 

[VinMingie]

You Stupid B@st+rds

If your still reading this I want you to remember how this tread was started.
Anyone going to be in Phoenix overnight before interview on Wednesday? Staying at the hotel want to cram? I know we should relax but am very excited and would love to field questions and answers if someone would be hanging out.
Somewhere along the line a bunch of pissed off losers who just got off a 12-20 hour duty day saw the word Mesa in the post and figured I make 18,000 a year as (ASA, COMAIR, CHQ, amongst other) FO that PFT, thats 6 dollers more then Mesa, I'm going to piss on this poor kids parade really because I cant afford to eat right now and my family doesn't love me.
You regional guys are a complete and udder joke all you do is sit around here and bitch and moan about money and contracts, What you all fail to remember is that none of you make any money and you never will at any of you crappy regionals.
I respect this kid who is excited about his interview. Unlike yourselfs he still has a love for flying where all you self hating idiots never really liked flying you just thought you'd get paid alot and maybe even get laid for the first time....I'm going back to Corporate

 

[RUhiring?]

Who's the stupid one?

Somewhere along the line a bunch of pissed off losers who just got off a 12-20 hour duty day saw the word Mesa in the post and figured I make 18,000 a year as (ASA, COMAIR, CHQ, amongst other) FO that PFT, thats 6 dollers more then Mesa, I'm going to piss on this poor kids parade really because I cant afford to eat right now and my family doesn't love me.

1. Run on sentence
2. 18,000 what? $?
3. Dollers?
4. Improper use of the word "then", should be "than"
5. Missed apostrophe (thats vs that's)

You regional guys are a complete and udder joke all you do is sit around here and bitch and moan about money and contracts, What you all fail to remember is that none of you make any money and you never will at any of you crappy regionals.

Udder: A baglike organ containing the mammary glands, characteristic of certain female mammals, such as cows, sheep, and goats.

6. Run on sentence
7. Inproper capitalization of the word "what"
8. Inproper use of the word "you" on 3rd to last word (you vs. your)

I respect this kid who is excited about his interview. Unlike yourselfs he still has a love for flying where all you self hating idiots never really liked flying you just thought you'd get paid alot and maybe even get laid for the first time....I'm going back to Corporate

9. Run on sentence
10. yourselfs?
11. alot is not a word.

Normally I can overlook posts that are hastily put together. But when someone accused others of being stupid, and does it in such a poorly written manner, I find it humorous to point it out.