Mesa or SkyWest????

[lawest]

I have a question for all you guys and gals. I was fortunate enough to get hired by both Mesa and SkyWest and now I am forced to decide where I want to go. I have not received a class date from either of them but here is my thought process and I want to know what you guys SERIOUSLY think. Please try to limit the $hit talking and thank you very much in advance.

SkyWest:
I want to go with them for obvious reasons. Pay, company, location, one of the best airlines. The two things that worry me are there United contract (What if United goes under? ACA Part 2??) and I just heard that they shrunk one of their April new hire classes. Does them shrinking the class size mean something bad is about to come???? I also think I would start training at Mesa before I start training at SW and I'm worried that If I pass up Mesa, SkyWest wont give me a class date for a long time.

Mesa:
I would probably get a Jet(good thing) Do mesa pilots get looked down upon in the industry??? Also, sounds like Mesa is having explosive growth an I want to be a part of that.

Sorry this is kinda long but this has been stressing me out. I am leaning more towards skywest but have not decided because I dont want to have something bad happen (like never get a class date at SW) if I pass up Mesa. Let me know your thoughts and thanks again

 

[Future SNA]

Do mesa pilots get looked down upon in the industry???

I would say, in a nutshell, and without being too big big of a bastard...........why yes........yes they do.

But to be honest with you, I've talked to different people at XJT who really aren't too happy with Skywest either? I guess they feel they took all these quality short hops away from us, at least that's what I guess? I think that, with what little I "currently" know that most of their routes we didn't want anyways.

I honestly can't tell you who I'd go to, probably Skywest, just because lets be honest, Mesa isn't high on everyone's buddy list, though I have some great friends who work for Mesa.............and subsequently want to leave worse than they want a second member.

 

[AviatorTx]

NEITHER!!!!

 

[ArcticFlier]

Lawest

With all due respect, I can't figure out why this is even a question in your mind.

Come to SKYW

AF

 

[No2Bttmfeeders]

SKYW would be my first choice. I can see your reason for wanting to go to Mesa for the quick upgrade but I agree with the above posting..

One other thing you mentioned is the attachment to UAL... Well, Mesa is attached to UsAir as well. I would rather be attached to Delta and United anyday over Us Air. I fly for one of the 3 United Express carriers prior to Chp11 and let me tell you there is alot of disliking of Mesa in the crew rooms and terminals. Not saying it is right but it is the truth!!! My dealings with SKYW pilots and stations are nothing but friendly, laid back, easy going folks!

Head to SKYW if you can!

My 2 cents.


No to the Bottomfeeders!

 

[On Your Six]

Skywest and don't look back - unless you could fly a 737-300 for MESA right off the bat for $24/hr as an FO.... Otherwise, go straight to Skywest.

 

[jayspilot]

to ask a question this naive says that you don't know $HIT about the industry... mesa is the bottom, Mesa pilots prove me wrong, but please stop walking though denver with your id's on backwards.
Sky West is the opposite end of the spectrum, not even a comparision. great company, nice equipment, cool routes.. and oh did i mention the flight attendants. SkyWest has by far the best looking chicks around.. and the turbo prop isnt bad considering you fly around gorgious california.

just my 2 cents, go to skywest pay your dues maybe a little longer in the right seat, but enjoy working for someone other then scumshuttle..

 

[daddysquared]

just my 2 cents, go to skywest pay your dues maybe a little longer in the right seat, but enjoy working for someone other then scumshuttle..

How much longer is the stay in the right seat at Skywest?

 

[ATRCA]

Seems like a real simple choice to me. SKYWEST all the way.

BTW, I dont hear much SkyWest bashing at XJT. The fact that they are doing CAL flying has nothing to do with the pilot group and anyone who thinks otherwise is an A$$HOLE.

Our pilots do on the other hand bash the MESA folks regularly, thats a function of our current contract negotiations and the role MESA's contract plays in our negotiations. Good luck.

 

[ILStoMinimums]

SKW upgrade is a lot quicker than other regionals, and QOL is much better from what little I know (have read).

 

[GogglesPisano]

The upgrade may be a lot faster at MESA but then what?

You're still at a bottom-feeder and may be stuck there a lot longer than you think.

 

[lawest]

thanks

Thanks for the replys guys. My first choice is SkyWest but I just wanted to know what everyone thought. I am just concerned about a few things like passing up a class date with Mesa and the for some weird crazy reason not getting one with SW.

Jayspilot: I do know about the industry and from what I understand Mesa pilots are bashed constantly, but like I've said a few times, I just wanted to hear what everyone else thought.....that's it. Thanks again guys and if anyone has anything else to say, please feel free to post it. I want to get as much info as possible. Thanks!!!!

BTW: The upgrade on the Brasilia from what I understand is under two years, the jet is longer. Either way not too bad.

 

[mesa rocks]

being a mesa pilot. I have interesting perspective on this.

go to Skywest.

Not gonna lie. THey do have a much better contract and are basically a much better running operation. Mesa is growimg very fast but Skywest is also providing alot of growth. Don't worry about the United thing. LIke someone said before, mesa is tied to a partner that is in worse shape than United. We are also tied to United too.

This is isn't a hard choice. I do have a comment on all the bashing. I have said this before in other threads. The only place I have ever heard bashing is on these anonymous boards. nowhere else.

and I have never, or ever seen, any mesa pilot wear their badge backwards! ever!!

 

[Future SNA]

I have friends at Mesa, they all have come to the realization that they've set the industry back a bit, they don't need myself, or anyone else reminding them of that on a day-to-day basis. They voted no, what more could they do, I guess it goes to show you even though no one's ever said anything to your face, at least you know what we're thinking deep down? And yes, during certain times at certain places, I've heard of people giving the badge the old "flip."

 

[RIDETHELIGHTING]

I have not had any problems with anybody. If you feel the need to say anything please do it in person. Mesa has not set the industry back, market forces have. All thse people that buy $29 around trip tickekts are hurting the industry. So get off it, please.

 

[swoopyswoop]

skywest or mesa

Just asking this question makes me think you would fit right in at Mesa.

 

[jayspilot]

It is said in person and it is seen in the faces of mesa pilots. Go to a hub like Denver or ORD or PHL. And if you are a piedmont, Wisconsin, aca, united, or skywest crew and look at a mesa crew they look away 95% and know what you think about them. (Its easy to tell who they are cause they are the ones with the id's on backwards...this is true, I couldn’t' make stuff this good up.)

You want to set the bar higher at mesa, then don't balk under the pressure of your management when your contract is up in a few years, stand strong and united and RAISE THE BAR. Comair went from almost worst to 1st by standing their ground and not taking $hit from management, and I’m sick of the talk from Mesa pilots saying they will put up with it for a few years and jump to the majors. Well a few years of your life is a long time and considering you paid your dues already hopefully instructing and flying boxes or charter you deserve better.
If you are content with what you have then it just proves my point. Step up or Shut up.

 

[Doggiepaddle]

Might as well of asked, "Microsoft or Enron?"

 

[mesa rocks]

they are the ones with the id's on backwards...this is true, I couldn’t' make stuff this good up.)

sounds made up to me..

Just how long did it take you to come up with crap like this?
and, exactly, how big and tuff does it make you feel to bash others on an anonymous chatboard?

p.s. aca, skywest, air wisconsin, psa and more did not raise the bar either. they didn't stand firm. they did what they felt they had to do to protect their flying from those that might do it for less. that is exactly what we did.

 

[crxpilot]

Take Mesa, then Skywest!

Lawest,
Why not go ahead and take the Mesa class if it is first and then if Skywest gives you a class date later on, even if you are in the middle of training with Mesa, then say bye bye to Mesa and go to Skywest. At least you can work while you wait for Skywest and at the same time can get some experience in bigger equipment I am assuming than what you are flying right now.
This is essentially what I did, I started to work for one company with a pool slot for another as a backup.

 

[superrav]

I dont work for either airline..but if i got offered a job at Mesa..i'd take it. Would that make mean i'm lowering the bar..even though i have nothing to do with the current contract. Doesn't make sense to me...I'm just looking to start my career... I think people should start encouraging the young guys on here that are applying and getting hired at mesa; help them understand whats going on..so the next contract can "raise the bar".
If you want more money... there are other ways to make it...and...here we go..let the games begin..b

 

[lawest]

Thanks guys!!!!

Superrav...Crxpilot...and mesarocks, thanks to all of you for some really good info!!!! I really do appreciate it all. I liked what CRXpilot had to say about starting with Mesa. I really like that idea because I dont want to pass up a class date with Mesa and have nothing waiting for me at SKW. I like the point that I think superrav made about young guys getting their foot in the door. That is what I am trying to do, I am just trying to start my career and if I do choose mesa, I will try to raise the "bar". Have some faith in us young guys and realize that we will try to make the industry better.

swoopyswoop...people like you are the ones that keep me from posting on this board more. All I did was ask a question and you come at me saying that even asking the question puts me in the same "group" as mesa pilots. I am just getting a feel for what everyone thinks so relax. Instead of all these people bashing other pilots on this board, why dont you guys try saying it to their face sometime.
Mesarocks...sounds like you have pride in the company you work for, keep it up...I respect people like you.
Okay enough for me, thanks again to everyone and any more info will be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[fly2002]

the situation at mesa is quite unique. The pilot group is very divided..and mainly due to the past contract. With all the bashing..primarily on these boards, both sides have become somewhat entrenched. So pilots at other regionals...by making bad statements about mesa have only made their situation worse..further driving a spike between the mesa pilots. Unfortunately these pilots do not understand unity. Not that I do...but i'm probably a little closer to understanding it.
just my 2 cents.

 

[I Hate Freight]

Might as well of asked, "Microsoft or Enron?"

Man, that is a CLASSIC!!!

 

[Doggiepaddle]

and I just heard that they shrunk one of their April new hire classes. Does them shrinking the class size mean something bad is about to come????

This is true, SKYW did shrink the April class! Rumor is that they put off the UAL and other furloughs until after the union vote, which will be happening soon. I guess they know that this group would be likely to vote "yes". It seems that the class is all street instructors and freight dogs (more likely to vote "NO"). Growth is happening fast, and they do frown upon leaving another carrier in the first year. They have let people go in the past for jumping ship while the "training contract" is in effect. I will say strongly, "DO NOT LEAVE MESA TO GO TO SKYW." They may let you go if they find out. Aviation is a small world, do not burn bridges behind you.

SKYW is a great place to work! You would be foolish not to take it.

 

[grog_sit_reserv]

Dude, are you kidding!!???

As a proud Mesa pilot, I can easily with great confidence tell you to go the fnck Skywest. Run, don't walk.

I am not kidding, avoid Mesa, its getting worse around here.

 

[Rogue5]

Although the April class was decreased from the 30 to 20, the above reason is not correct.

To be legal to participate in the upcoming vote, the NMB has required SKYW pilots to have a date of hire sometime around the date the NMB was petitioned. I don't have an exact date, but the makeup of the new classes will not affect the vote as they cannot vote.

The list of eligible voters was published weeks ago and submitted to the pilot group for verification that no one is on the list that should not be (management pilots, pilots no longer with the company, etc.)

 

[GogglesPisano]

p.s. aca, skywest, air wisconsin, psa and more did not raise the bar either. they didn't stand firm. they did what they felt they had to do to protect their flying from those that might do it for less. that is exactly what we did. [/B]

Einstein, you were the ones who were doing it for less.

One the about Mesa pilots: you will not be underbid!

 

[daddysquared]

You know, I have been reading this board for some time now and I can hardly believe all the bashing the Mesa pilots receive. All you bashers are like children. And from what I can see, the Mesa pilots all conduct themselves with honor and respect, well, for the most part at least. I pray that these derogatory views are just from a self-conscious, pimple faced, scrawny 125 lb. soaking wet, unprofessional minority of pilots. I would also pray that the pilots flying our citizens around this amazing country are professional, responsible and mature.

From what I understand, Comair (just one example) signed a contract when demand for their services was at an all time high. True? And when it came time for Mesa to redo their deal, demand was at an all time low (due to 9/11, other economic factors notwithstanding). On top of that, there was a very real threat of all of their flying being taken away if they struck. So all the trumpeters of other pilot groups that didn't have to stand up to that adversity, I simply request that you cease the nonsense and feel for the souls that wanted to keep food on the table. Or perhaps you feel it would have been better if they had allowed all their flying to be taken away and join "your" airline, and consequently giving up any seniority they had accrued.

I was also interested in the question posed on this thread, being a pilot not employed in the aviation industry yet. And Lawest, you probably have a lot of time on your side. Skywest is the much better choice for FO pay and QOL and all that other icing on the cake. Does it matter that your ground school gets pushed back a few months, or heck, even a year? If you are in your twenties or even thirties, you still will have solid 25 to 35 years or so in this tumultous industry to make it to the left seat on some heavy somewhere.

If I were in your position, I would go with Skywest. The only real draw for me to join the Mesa ranks would be that if you got into a prop, (Dash or 1900) you could upgrade to a captain in less than a year (allegedly) and be making more than any FO while gaining valuable left seat experience. You could then (also allegedly) move to the left seat of a CRJ or ERJ in a few years, again still making more than any FO at any regional, spend some time there, and then try to jump to a major with a lot more Jet PIC time than any FO at Comair, Whisky, Skywest, et. al. However, you may have to put up with all the other crews sticking there tongues out at you, talking about you under their collective breaths, and listening to the other children call you "dork" over the radios.

Congrats on two job offers. You are a fortunate soul. I hope to be sharing the skies with you soon.

Carry on.

 

[ChinaClipper]

Daddysquared

is right. Lots of screaming about Mesa done by people who didn't mind replacing Mainline flying one bit. When the same thing is done to them, THEN its a problem. The worst part of this job is the lack of cohesion come contract time and lack of professional development/career awarness. Mesa pilots can be accused of both, (the MEC their blows) but so can the NUMEROUS others who settled for less and blamed it on whoever they could to rationalize their conduct. Until the planes stop flying, not much will change and the JO's of the world will laugh all the way to the bank. A ride supplied by short sighted and the "I am for everyone ELSE holding the line with no skin off my a$$ " crowd, led by the PFT'er scum. Where ever you go, get your time and move on, but stop long enough to help those who will follow...........