Mesa ATP Program/Crapshoot
Hansel said:
What about this program, that guarantees interview after completion?
Not necessarily, unless things have changed drastically in ten years.
I instructed at
MAPD ten years ago. Along with training private, instrument and multi students, MAPD instructors also worked with ATP program trainees. I had couple of them while I was there.
Mesa check airmen who were also DEs gave the practical. ATP candidates who passed the ride the first time got the interview. Those who busted got a recheck and their certificates, if they passed, but no interview.
I will only say that there were those who passed . . . . and those who failed . . . if you understand what I'm writing.
I will put in another word about the MAPD program. I do not intend to start a debate about what is and what is not you-know-what. I will just say that it works. Students obtain their certificates, decent training, a decent education culminating in an A.S. in Aviation Techology from a fully-accredited school (meaning that credits will transfer for a four-year degree), and a Mesa interview at 300 hours, as long as they mind their Ps and Qs.
I do not care at all for Mesa Airlines as a company, but the MAPD program provides a great opportunity to start a career. And, don't forget, no one is holding a gun to your head to make you work there forever. I recall a post some time back from the wife of an MAPD grad. She said her husband went through the program, endured Mesa all the way through Captain, and landed at Alaska Airlines, which was his goal.