Mesa Pilot Development?

[mcjohn]

What does anyone know about this setup? It seems more innocent than Gulfstream.
http://www.flightcareers.com/pace.htm

 

[urflyingme?!]

i go there pm me

 

[mattpilot]

yo... i want to know about it too.... Why not post it here?

please?

 

[mattpilot]

Looks like the PACE program will cost you 11k, to "possibly"(*cough*gauranteedinterview*cough* ) get a job for $21/hr at Mesa.

 

[ROJO]

I went there. Graduated in 2000 and went into the Dash-8 with 273 total time. The program really works. I'd say 90% or more of those who graduate are offered a job. Reasons for NOT getting hired include: Poor attitude (i.e. frequently talks back to instructors), poor interview prep (thinking you are guaranteed a job), or some other stupid thing, like getting a DUI a week before your interview.

It's a tough program, and once you get hired, it gets even tougher. You are expected to demonstrate the same ability as pilots with much more experience, but the training prepares you well. You'll memorize reams of systems information, limitations, emergency procedures, etc from day one at MAPD....just like you'll do as a line pilot.

It's expensive, difficult, and very rewarding. If your goal is to be a professional airline pilot, I'd highly recommend it. We all know Mesa is not the best paying airline, but everyone I ever knew who got hired there still has a job. However, I've been away from the company almost 4 years now, and there seem to be a lot of grumpy employees there. Don't think being a regional pilot is some kind of dream job....it's a difficult life to say the least. Good luck.

 

[mcjohn]

Can you fly in the Southeast after program?

 

[ROJO]

Probably yes. SE domiciles are probably the more junior ones. You could at least get something in the eastern USA. A lot of new FO's started in PHL, DCA or other places within reasonable commuting distance of most SE cities. I preferred to be in the west so I took the PHX-based dash-8.

 

[mcjohn]

How long away from home? Should wife go?
What can you tell me about the PACE program?

 

[ROJO]

They were just starting PACE when I graduated, so I don't know much about it. You're probably talking about a maximum of 6 months training. Farmington NM is a good place to train because there are few distractions and the weather is pretty good. Cost of living is low too. Whether or not you bring your spouse depends on whether you can afford it, if you are both high/low maintenance types, etc. ButShe has to understand you will not be able to spend lots of "quality time" with her. You'll have to focus yourself entirely on learning.

Suggest you call the school and ask to talk to one of the students. Most will gladly talk about their experiences. Send in an application and go to the screening and interview. You'll know if it's right or wrong for you.

 

[wheelsup]

I would not recommend the PACE program - low hire rate for those students. Ab-initio I would whole-heartedly recommend, however. Extremely high hire rate.

Where else can you rent a '91+ A36 for $119/hr wet? LOL.

~wheelsup

 

[mcjohn]

I would not recommend the PACE program - low hire rate for those students. Ab-initio I would whole-heartedly recommend, however. Extremely high hire rate.

Where else can you rent a '91+ A36 for $119/hr wet? LOL.

~wheelsup

I havn't looked at the web site closely enough. Ab-initio? 119/hr wet LOL?
What do you mean?

 

[wheelsup]

Ab-initio is coming in with low or no time, and you start right out inthe A36 Bonanza - probably the cheapest Bonanza's for rent anywhere inthe US considering the age of the fleet (all are 1991 and up). And yes,you solo in them - some students do it with about 15 hours total time!

Wet is the aircraft including fuel - no addtional charges except instructor when they're on board.

cya
~wheelsup

 

[flyguy_022]

I live In Farmington, NM and am concidering the program here. From what I hear its pretty good. Flight conditions are excellent and cost of living isnt too bad. The only thing Ive been hearing is that the pay isnt much, but they have a good report of keeping there jobs secure. Also there is talk about them replacing all of their 1900s for all CRJs! That would be nice, their fleet is getting old and out-dated.
I have a friend that just left Mesa and got hired with SouthWest and now flys the 737. He's been flying for Mesa for about 5-6 years.

 

[mattpilot]

I have a friend that just left Mesa and got hired with SouthWest and now flys the 737. He's been flying for Mesa for about 5-6 years.

How did that work? Mesa has no 737's...... Did he pay for the type rating himself?

 

[flyguy_022]

Well ya there's no 737s... he applied for SW and got interviewd and they sent him to ground school in Dallas for 3 months. I was just saying you dont have to stay with mesa , you could use Mesa to help build hrs and experience so you could advance farther if you went to MAPD at San Juan collage

 

[mcjohn]

If I went to MAPD I would go in with commercial single engine. I would have to get my multi training there. Do you think having recieved PPL and Instrument rating in southeast over a couple years would have an effect on hireability out of PACE type program? Why would you consider the ab-initio approach so much more successful. Don't forget to answer.

I don't have a problem with GIA or MAPD. I know it's best to instruct but that shouldn't be the only way. Even if it is the best and most traditional way, the military never used that standard.
My problem with GIA as of now is the cost of the program mixed with the expensive location. I already have debt.
My opportuninty to receive excellent free training for larger aircraft and CRM expired when I turned 27. I didn't meet the dead line to have the government pay the bill. From what I hear these so called PFTs are not easy to pass through just as the military's set-up supposedly isn't easy. All these programs are to me are a way for civilians to recieve the same format of training they may have received in the military through private "for profit" businesses.

 

[FlyJordan]

A lot of negitive comments have floated my way on Mesa, my old CFI stared working there for practally free (cause thats how bad they pay) and he hates it, says not only do they pay crappy but they are just a very poor company to work for in general, he is leaving as soon as contract is up.

 

[flyguy_022]

Well not that its a bad program (MAPD) its actually pretty good, its just working for Mesa in general after you finish is the question. The reaction I get from the piolts when I ask there opinion...they always say," just dont get on anyones sh*t list or bad side because it will suck for you" "just go do what you gotta do and find a new airline after your contract ends"

 

[Butafucco]

If you aspire to be associated with the scum of the industry and get no respect from most professional pilots...then go with mesa.....

 

[flyguy_022]

If you aspire to be associated with the scum of the industry and get no respect from most professional pilots...then go with mesa.....

Did you fly with Mesa?