How's Mesaba

[Lazy8]

So I keep hearing that Mesaba is on the up and up. Any Mesaba pilots care to comment on the direction the company is going? I'm going to be sending out some apps soon and after researching as much as I can I still don't know what to think of the company. Are the CRJ900's really coming? Is upgrade time moving faster? How do you like working for them?

 

[siucavflight]

They suck.

 

[gnx99]

The 900's are supposed to start coming in May. The company is under bankruptcy protection right now, but they are supposed to come out of it in late April, if that means anything. Upgrade is 7-10 years now, and it will drop, but to exactly what is still unknown. I believe nobody has even started CRJ900 class yet, so nothing is progressing yet. Upgrade into the 900 will still probably be a LONG TIME once they're all here (almost 2 years from now). So, if you want to be a jet captain ASAP, I'd look elsewhere.

If you'd commute, I wouldn't even consider it. If you live in base, I'd go to Pinnacle. Especially if Pinnacle gets their contract done and gets more CRJ's (or whatever the deal is over there)

 

[xjgearbtch]

If you wanna be based in Detroit or Memphis go for it. We are going to grow just like 9E did. Northwest didn't buy us for an expansion of only 36 jets. They want to grow us, spin us off and make a ton of money off of us. Please we will be growing like crazy.

 

[Smarta$$]

If you wanna be based in Detroit or Memphis go for it. We are going to grow just like 9E did. Northwest didn't buy us for an expansion of only 36 jets. They want to grow us, spin us off and make a ton of money off of us. Please we will be growing like crazy.

Growth? If Compass gets 36. And if Compass remains seperate from XJ. And you guys get 36 900s. That only leaves 18 more 76's between you and Compass, unless NW increases their narrow body significantly. Which does not look probable right now. So what CRAZY growth are you expecting? I do agree that you may grow more, but probably with Q400s. The options that remain at bombardier won't be for more 900's unless NW pilots give up more scope. And I don't think they will order more 50s. Now are 17 200's? Maybe.

Well, NW may have another scam up their sleeve that would change these assumptions though.

 

[Whataboutbob]

Grove man, you need to do whats best for you. Look at the facts, decide what you want out of your career and try to persue what ever gets you closest to that goal. My opinion is no matter where you go management is going to try to have the upper hand. Mesaba does have many draw backs but every regional does. Its part of the race to the bottom. So if Mesaba will give you the best QOL go for it. Just remember the more growth the regionals see is probably at the expense of growth at the majors. But you never know, you may be one of the lucky ones that gets their time and moves on.

 

[fly4ever]

Move on to what? A low paying job at a "major" or "LCC" where most are bitter and complain about the other guy trading concessions for growth?

 

[xjhawk]

for the pilot who asked in this thread, if you come here, you are betting like most of us that we will get more than 36 900's. NWA has reasons to grow XJ for profit and if they want to spin us off. So look for XJ getting more like 50-90 jets, and from what I hear is BP VP of fight ops is saying they are looking for a Saab replacement.....Q400 i would suppose since they have options with bombardier 90 options i beleive. So there is going to be growth. yes, its sucked here in the past, you will have to wait for 300 or so very experienced FO's to upgrade before you get the chance. Now remember this, it will be to a prop, not a jet. But our Q400 rates (but we do not have any) are the same as crj200 rates. I think most of our new hires will be to the 900, so if you get here early, you will have a great schedule in a nice plane. Our work rules are better than most, pay is average....lots of people leaving too, we are a bitter bunch eager to leave for something with a little more to offer. so that means movement on the seniority list. good for new hires......

 

[KingNothing]

Hey man, you need to weigh the options of whats best for you. I left a great group of people at XJ, and miss flying all three fleets. But I couldnt take the crap QOL of commuting 2 times a week and getting sick of the schedule after 3 years. It works for some and some it doesnt. Like I said, awesome group of guys and a "?able" contract for a regional, so look at QOL and where you want to be in 2-3 years. Probably in the right seat, with an ok schedule.

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

If U want to work out East, Air WI would be a much better choice. Out West Horizon or Skywest.

Good luck!

cliff
YIP

 

[fowingman]

anyone have access to mymesaba willing to give any insight on info regarding what newhires would be put into. i'm curious as to what furlough people ar taking for aircraft. i interviewed the first day they had interivews back in feb....

 

[OttoPilot]

anyone have access to mymesaba willing to give any insight on info regarding what newhires would be put into. i'm curious as to what furlough people ar taking for aircraft. i interviewed the first day they had interivews back in feb....

All the furloughees were recalled into the SAAB. Now it is a waiting game to see how many accept the recall and how many or those show up for class. New hires will go wherever the company sees fit.

 

[IHateMgmt]

There will be a revision to the lastest award tomorrow... am currently taking bets on how many will be returning. I say, 53. As always, "The Price is Right" (R.I.P.) rules are in effect.

 

[SEVEN]

There will be a revision to the lastest award tomorrow... am currently taking bets on how many will be returning. I say, 53. As always, "The Price is Right" (R.I.P.) rules are in effect.

I say 76 will return.

 

[xjgearbtch]

I say about 38 will, majority will be ones who were captains.

 

[MesabaDriver]

Ill be the guy that thinks about 85 will return off the furlough list.

 

[WMUSIGPI]

If we are counting the ones who didn't bypass on 07-01 then I say a total of about 73.

 

[XJohXJ]

anyone have access to mymesaba willing to give any insight on info regarding what newhires would be put into. i'm curious as to what furlough people ar taking for aircraft. i interviewed the first day they had interivews back in feb....

Even though the union negotiated a pretty good recall system, Mgt. just decided to throw it out the window. The furloughees are not being given a choice of equipment. They are virtually all being forced into the Saab. Newhires will enjoy (relatively) high seniority CR9 FO seats in the domicile of their choice.

Now, my beef is not to do with equipment per se, it is more to do with allowing a choice of pilot seat offering higher relative seniority in base. The pay is the same either way, but there will be a world of difference regarding QOL. Of course, Mesaba MGT isn't happy unless their pilots are PO'd.

Its just another fine example of the trashy treatment you can expect at Mesaba, where employees are ranked somewhat lower than dirt. Hopefully 9E will get a good contract soon.

 

[MesabaDriver]

Here is a question for all the wizards out there. It is my understanding that for medical coverage, it begins the following calendar month after class date... ie March 25th class ... April 1st health, June 1st dnetal. So why does a new hire who begins class on the 25th of March who has never been on property get medical coverage a month earlier than those comming off furlough and starting class in April, We had no chance to bid for the desired A/C nor a desired recall class and I seriously doubt we will get to bid our sim slots for requal. It going to be a mess in Eagan all summer at the training center. Not that there isnt other things to bitch about but anyone care to stab at that one?

 

[Hulk Hogan]

Are there any new hires in the 3/25 class? Last I heard is there were two furloughs (first 14 or so to be furloughed) and that was it. I don't think requal will be all that bad...but who knows.