Mesa Dash Captain

[The_Russian]

So you applied for a captain position at Mesa and you
1) Don't know the schedules, or much about the work rules
2) Don't want anyone to point out how much you sold out

What color is the sky in your world?

Where do you get off with that statement? You obviously took a job to fly a 50 seat jet aircraft for 20 bucks an hour. Foot meet mouth. I love how everyone points fingers at each other for taking the same career path. Time to gain some respect for your fellow pilot.

 

[regionaltard]

I am currently already a captain at a lower tier fractional, and I'm looking for something better for me. I understand what Mesa is, and a lot of it's issues, since I've already spent 6 years at Eagle (hence the name).

Just curious....how bad's a job got to be before Mesa looks like "up?"

 

[NoJoy]

Currently you cannot bid from the Freedom certificate to the Mesa certificate. This is a good opertunity to fly the Dash as a CA, especially if you live on the east coast. Some folks just need the PIC time to get an interview-they know who they are. If you do not live on the east coast or do not need the PIC time right away, then Freedom Dash flying may not be for you. eagleatr, pm me for more info.

 

[CFIse]

I meant "outstation" as not at a hub. One is not necessarily any better than the other, but sometimes it's easier to commute from the hub.

Most of the outstations will be commutable, i.e. served by other carriers. As pointed out earlier though, Mesa doesn't produce commutable schedules, so that can be hard, but supposed to be 5 crews in each base, which ought to make it easy to rearrange your schedule between yourselves (you'd think).

 

[AerroMatt]

Just curious....how bad's a job got to be before Mesa looks like "up?"

I'm with regionaltard on this one! Make sure you bring along an extra 50 bucks cash to your interview to cover their application fee!

Pay to interview... HARRUMPH!!!

 

[psysix]

I'm with regionaltard on this one! Make sure you bring along an extra 50 bucks cash to your interview to cover their application fee!

Pay to interview... HARRUMPH!!!

Gee, just like FedEx makes you do! I don't hear anyone bitching about having to pay them to apply!

 

[Skyranger777]

Gee, just like FedEx makes you do! I don't hear anyone bitching about having to pay them to apply!

Please don't compare FedEx to Mesa

 

[blzr]

Don't other regionals have 1500 TT upgrades?

Ummmm no. PDT was 3000TT min and I think 1000 in type for insurance. My current job required 4500 hours TT for insurance.

 

[PGTB]

1500TT CA, and at Mesa no less! Nice.

 

[FlyBunny]

whaleroast....why are you so bitter about someone else's progress?
as a pilot, why can't you simply wish him luck?
so much jealousy...why?
why would you be so jealous?

eagleatr...good luck...wish I could help...but you'd do fine...there are enough good pilots who would actually address your questions with sound answers rather than putting you down...remember....do what you think is best for you!

I did the same...did what's good for me...and now I have moved on to better flying...but I miss the regionals...

wow...can hardly wait for all those sarcastic ones to question why am I still prawling at the regional board...

it's just like visiting your alma mater...here to help those with info about moving on...the same way I was helped here not long ago...

fly safe,
bunny

 

[FlyBunny]

I'm with regionaltard on this one! Make sure you bring along an extra 50 bucks cash to your interview to cover their application fee!

Pay to interview... HARRUMPH!!!

guess you don't know much about American Airlines...do ya...it's $100 for an application fee and $5 for update...at least that's what it was when they were hiring...

many, many outfits in this world ask for an application fee...it's nothing new...don't put Mesa down for asking for it...not long ago GLA did the same...

hope this helped!

safe flying,
bunny

 

[John_W_Thompson]

Hi all just wanted to add a couple cents. You've got to have situational awareness. I applaud anyone willing to make the sacrifice (Mesa) or elsewhere to get what he/she needs to get on with their career. It will look good in the interview too. In the real world, turbine PIC is what you need.

 

[FO 4 Life]

I believe he is looking to get back to a 121 carrier. Some places seem to prefer 121 time over other, i.e. Airtran requires 500 PIC Part 121 or military. Knowing EagleATR, he does have over 1000 PIC turbine, typed in the ATR and 737. This would just be a move to get back to airline flying.

 

[Beantown]

Currently you cannot bid from the Freedom certificate to the Mesa certificate. .

This is actually incorrect. Guys are leaving Freedom ERJ for Mesa CRJ all the time. -Bean

 

[Beantown]

At Mesa can you bid from one certificate to another? YES.
Could a Dash 8 captain for Freedom bid for Phoenix or Denver? YES
How long is the seat lock? 18 months
How senior is Phoenix for the Dash and CRJ? Not to bad on the Dash, Very one the CRJ (6 yrs or so just to hold RSV)
Where are the 12 airplanes coming from? Old PDT 100's I think.
What is so bad about Mesa reserve? Very very very bad. I should know I have been doing it for almost a yr.
How many hours guaranteed per bid period? 70 a bid (28 days) 76 hrs a month (actually one of the best in the regional industry.)

My advice as a Mesa CA is stay at your current job. Good luck. -Bean

 

[Taco Rocket]

I say go for it. You will get in as a CA in a situation where most current Mesa pilots are locked out of the Dash upgrade (contract fences). The worst case scenerio is that you are outstation based in PHL or BWI (check out the domiciles for specifics) and are on reserve BUT at home, if that's where you live. The way the company is growing you will then have the option of being an RJ CA in about 1 1/2 - 2 years -- if you want it. This is a great opportunity for those f/os at stagnant east coast dash operators to get in with a company that will still be around in 5 years. Now resume your normal Mesa bashing...

 

[aviatrix]

a company that will still be around in 5 years

Yep, Mesa and cockroaches...........around forever!

 

[Taco Rocket]

Yep, Mesa and cockroaches...........around forever!

Actually that's a joke around here -- except the punchline concerns a nuclear war.

 

[Jack Mehoff]

Wow.

(Someone took the movie "Top Gun" a little too seriously. . . heh dude, it's FICTION)

Although I do agree with the basic premise of whaleroast that if your goal is to be a pilot in order to impress girls . . . that's so f'ing pathetic that it's not going to matter. (uh, you do realize this, right whale? . . . please tell me you don't wear your pilot uniform and RAYBANS while casually walking through the mall trying to pick up 15 year olds . . . )

Whats wrong with picking up 15yr olds? come on man don't knock it till ya tired it.

 

[SpacemanSpiff]

get your facts straight!

"I am your captain. Please, enjoy the ride and thank you for flying America West Express, owned and operated by Mesa Airlines, regional airline of the year for 2001!"

Actually, it was for 2005...hehe.