Mesaba Hiring Rumor Mill

[Dodge]

irish,
you sound arrogant because you didn't write, "I love Minneapolis."

You're right, one should ask questions. Why fly a prop if you can go anywhere else and fly a jet? If you are going to be stuck in a FO position for 5+ years, you better go somewhere that flies aircraft you like. If one doesn't like the junior bases at an airline, one keeps their options open. And on and on.

As far as the CRJ goes, I know nothing than what staffing puts out but they aren't in any hurry to train pilots, at least the class size doesn't reflect it. But, these numbers will go up in the future.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Irish Pilot]

irish,
you sound arrogant because you didn't write, "I love Minneapolis."

You're right, one should ask questions. Why fly a prop if you can go anywhere else and fly a jet? If you are going to be stuck in a FO position for 5+ years, you better go somewhere that flies aircraft you like. If one doesn't like the junior bases at an airline, one keeps their options open. And on and on.

As far as the CRJ goes, I know nothing than what staffing puts out but they aren't in any hurry to train pilots, at least the class size doesn't reflect it. But, these numbers will go up in the future.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks Dodge.

I guess it just bothers me that I could have an "arrogant tone" while asking questions...or that someone would say something like that. Just PM me and say something or ask me whats up! Whats up with people bashing others around here all the time? WTF? Its like grade school bully stuff...does it make you feel better about yourself to talk down other people-pilots?

Im sorry if what I have asked or said comes off as arrogant...I am hoping its just that you have read too much into it. I guess I should clarify a few things since I am not sure exactly what came off as arrogant.

• When I consider applying for a new position its nice to have as much information to use as possible about a potential employer. It just so happens that this place is great for asking people who actually work there and generally can give you an honest response questions. If that comes off as sounding like getting the job is no problem or something I apologize...but the reality is that with a new job many things change...asking questions helps to understand whats coming and helps you make decisions. I am very aware that you are probably very clear about this which makes me wonder why this would be considered "arrogant."

• Honestly...the reason that I would apply has nothing to do with the CRJ...though I am not going to lie...I sure would be happy to get it. Obviously Mesaba is hiring right now and odds are better for getting MSP. Mesaba is important to me for two reasons....MSP and happy pilots. Being a MN kid Ive always hoped to fly for Mesaba and ideally Northwest. I would be more than happy in any airplane offered should I recieve the job...MSP is my priority...not equipment. However I think that you would agree that the CRJ is a more desireable airplane...especially if it meant that I could get MSP right off the bat.

I am just another guy in line hoping to get the phone call for an interview and also maybe a job offer at some point. I dont think I am any more deserving than the next guy...nor do I think it would be an easy job to get...and I would be very grateful to get an offer. I am not sure what came off as arrogant...but I am not a person that is very hesitant to ask questions...especially about something that excites me.

I guess I will have to be more careful about asking questions around here...which is unfortunate because thats the best part about this place.

 

[fly4ever]

Irish,

I received your PM and thought I would just reply publicly. Your original post included the following statement,

"Im still considering throwing my stuff in in hopes of getting hired and better yet landing a CRJ-MSP slot."

The reason that sounded a little arrogant to me was because of a couple of points:

1. "considering throwing my stuff in..."

If you really would be "grateful to get an offer" as you state in a later post then you better quit wasting time and get it in because XJ isn't going to come looking for you and you certainly won't be the only candidate out there for an aircraft, any aircraft, that we operate. If you are fortunate to get asked to interview make the most of it and enjoy the process but remember, you aren't entitled to a job here, you have to earn it.

2. "and better yet landing a CRJ-MSP slot."

We will operate all three of our fleets in and out of MSP. For some reason, up-and-comers like yourself, have the "shiny jet syndrome" and this affliction can be detrimental to your career. It's ok to desire a jet but we have had a few in the not too distant past that when they found out they were getting the Saab at the end of the first week of training they literally stood up in class and announced that they were quitting because they didn't get the Avro. Arrogance and a sense of entitlement caused these individuals to make a rash decision that could affect their future employment - the aviation world is a small place.

XJ pilots that were on the list prior to Feb. 2004 are the ones that suffered through some very stressful times in the past including some who were furloughed once or even twice and still came back with no complaints. We have Captains who were on reserve for over four years and FO's on reserve for at least three years. Those of us who were in the middle of that situation tend to respond a little negatively to statements like yours because we know what it took for us to get where we are and you will not experience what we went through. Be thankful and hopeful that you won't have to go through a 9/11 event and contract negotiations all at once ever again.

You absolutely are doing the right thing to research the places you might want to apply to but don't let the "shiny jet syndrome" stop you from applying to a company that has a great group of people to work with overall. We will gladly welcome you. I apologize if my statements offend you.

 

[Regional4life]

Anyone else ready for the fall temperatures to get here? I'm tired of sweating my balls off in the cockpit and letting little thing get to me . But hey, at least I'm losing weight.

Not to change subjects, but anyone have info on the engine failure in cruise about a week ago? I heard it was catastrophic but can't back it up with any details.

 

[Irish Pilot]

Irish,

I received your PM and thought I would just reply publicly. Your original post included the following statement,

"Im still considering throwing my stuff in in hopes of getting hired and better yet landing a CRJ-MSP slot."

The reason that sounded a little arrogant to me was because of a couple of points:

1. "considering throwing my stuff in..."

If you really would be "grateful to get an offer" as you state in a later post then you better quit wasting time and get it in because XJ isn't going to come looking for you and you certainly won't be the only candidate out there for an aircraft, any aircraft, that we operate. If you are fortunate to get asked to interview make the most of it and enjoy the process but remember, you aren't entitled to a job here, you have to earn it.

2. "and better yet landing a CRJ-MSP slot."

We will operate all three of our fleets in and out of MSP. For some reason, up-and-comers like yourself, have the "shiny jet syndrome" and this affliction can be detrimental to your career. It's ok to desire a jet but we have had a few in the not too distant past that when they found out they were getting the Saab at the end of the first week of training they literally stood up in class and announced that they were quitting because they didn't get the Avro. Arrogance and a sense of entitlement caused these individuals to make a rash decision that could affect their future employment - the aviation world is a small place.

XJ pilots that were on the list prior to Feb. 2004 are the ones that suffered through some very stressful times in the past including some who were furloughed once or even twice and still came back with no complaints. We have Captains who were on reserve for over four years and FO's on reserve for at least three years. Those of us who were in the middle of that situation tend to respond a little negatively to statements like yours because we know what it took for us to get where we are and you will not experience what we went through. Be thankful and hopeful that you won't have to go through a 9/11 event and contract negotiations all at once ever again.

You absolutely are doing the right thing to research the places you might want to apply to but don't let the "shiny jet syndrome" stop you from applying to a company that has a great group of people to work with overall. We will gladly welcome you. I apologize if my statements offend you.

1. "considering throwing my stuff in..."

I think you are reading WAY too much into this. All that I mean is that I am waying some pros and cons and thinking about submitting my application-resume. You would agree you have done this before most jobs you have hoped for? I cant believe I am defending the phrase in the first place lol.

2. "and better yet landing a CRJ-MSP slot."

When you apply for your next job wouldnt you hope for the newest equipment? Hell yeah you would...and yes you would be more than happy with anything because (and even though I may be an "up and comer" I do understand this) at some point a plane is a plane and its the job and QOL thats important. You know most guys applying right now are hoping for a CRJ slot...that to me isnt anything to stress...who the hell wouldnt want the newest stuff? Also...for me the CRJ means MSP right off the bat.

I think you guys have read way too far into my posts and are taking this way too seriously. Either way, I apologize if my posts came off with a negative or arrogant tone.

 

[W&BWiz]

Actually there are quite a few, if not the majority, who are hoping for the Saab because of a few reasons.

1. Even though you won't be based in msp right away, you will be very soon.
2. The training dept is not teaching a brand new airplane and unless your just not fit to fly, you will make it through training easily.
3. The schedules are established and chances of junior-manning, extended days, etc are minimal.
4. You won't be sitting reserve getting min pay for months on end because of all the greenliners.
5. You will be upgrading in the saab, unless you think your just going to "hold out for the crj", and it never hurts to know the airplane your taking your ATP in.

Those seem like pretty good reasons to hope for the saab, I know I was happy/relieved when I got it.

 

[kmox29]

That's just because I was your captain in the sim

 

[Irish Pilot]

Actually there are quite a few, if not the majority, who are hoping for the Saab because of a few reasons.

1. Even though you won't be based in msp right away, you will be very soon.
2. The training dept is not teaching a brand new airplane and unless your just not fit to fly, you will make it through training easily.
3. The schedules are established and chances of junior-manning, extended days, etc are minimal.
4. You won't be sitting reserve getting min pay for months on end because of all the greenliners.
5. You will be upgrading in the saab, unless you think your just going to "hold out for the crj", and it never hurts to know the airplane your taking your ATP in.

Those seem like pretty good reasons to hope for the saab, I know I was happy/relieved when I got it.

All reasons that certainly make good sense.

 

[DoinTime]

We will operate all three of our fleets in and out of MSP. For some reason, up-and-comers like yourself, have the "shiny jet syndrome" and this affliction can be detrimental to your career. It's ok to desire a jet but we have had a few in the not too distant past that when they found out they were getting the Saab at the end of the first week of training they literally stood up in class and announced that they were quitting because they didn't get the Avro. Arrogance and a sense of entitlement caused these individuals to make a rash decision that could affect their future employment - the aviation world is a small place.

XJ pilots that were on the list prior to Feb. 2004 are the ones that suffered through some very stressful times in the past including some who were furloughed once or even twice and still came back with no complaints. We have Captains who were on reserve for over four years and FO's on reserve for at least three years. Those of us who were in the middle of that situation tend to respond a little negatively to statements like yours because we know what it took for us to get where we are and you will not experience what we went through. Be thankful and hopeful that you won't have to go through a 9/11 event and contract negotiations all at once ever again.

Your going to be that grumpy old captain (or maybe you already are) that verbally abuses all of your FO's because they "don't know the meaning of paying dues." Relax why don't you. Don't take it out on others that your career hasn't panned out the way you planned. You'll never find anyone who deserves the blame for the choices you made.

Irish has asked legitimate questions and is trying to make the best decision possible. Don't label him a young punk with SJS because he wants the CRJ. I have extensive time in both the Saab and CRJ and the Saab SUCKS! I'm sorry you believe that everyone must endure the pitfalls of your career. QOL starts with enjoying the equipment you operate.

Irish, I hope you find the answers to your questions and I hope you land the best job you can. Good Luck.

 

[PeanuckleCRJ]

"We will operate all three of our fleets in and out of MSP. For some reason, up-and-comers like yourself, have the "shiny jet syndrome" and this affliction can be detrimental to your career. "


I have SJS to an extent, which is why I chose 9E two years ago... but you really could call it "widebody syndrome" where I'm trying to go fly heavies and make lots of money as soon as possible. There is a detrimental side effect of this to my career though: it makes me very sexually attracted to your mom.

 

[ImbracableCrunk]

Anyone else ready for the fall temperatures to get here? I'm tired of sweating my balls off in the cockpit and letting little thing get to me . But hey, at least I'm losing weight.

Hey, how come in the summer we sweat our balls off, but in the winter we freeze out nuts off?

Also, I gotsta agree with Hoofy and Doiy. He's excited about a new job prospect - cut him some slack. I know a ton of people back in 2001 who were all like, "I can't wait for my NWA class. I hope I get the A320! Did you throw your stuff in?"

 

[Napoleon TNT]

Interviews are on Sept 8 and 9.

 

[fly4ever]

DoinTime,

First, I didn't label Irish a "young punk" you did by making that statement. You don't even know me and you're calling me names - nice. Actually I won't be a grumpy old captain when the time comes. I enjoy my job and it has panned out for me so far. I just see things from a different perspective having worked in other jobs(flying and not flying) before XJ.

It just cracks me up when someone wants a job so badly but then limits themselves by thinking they can be so selective. The bean counters are who get to be selective, just ask the NWA mechanics that are walking the picket lines or the pilots that have been furloughed.

Peanuckle,

Your view of "widebody syndrome" is what may get you a job flying an A319/20(not a widebody) for 30 dollars an hour. How many widebody jobs do you think are available out there now? Heck, when NWA mainline pilots are asked for more concessions including furloughing another 1100-1200 pilots you'll probably be the guy that steps right in to fly that A330 for less than what you got paid as a newhire on the CRJ. You have the ultimate version of "shiny jet syndrome".

It is good to have discussion, ask questions etc... I'm not trying to be a name caller and I apologize if that is the way it came across but I am entitled to my opinion just like everyone else.

I wish Irish Pilot good luck and, as I stated before, if you get a job at XJ you will be welcome. We are glad to see the list grow and we actually have some hope for the future after several years of very little positive stuff happening. With that I will bow out of the conversation as I have a good job flying a Saab and it's time to go.

Respectfully,
Fly

 

[airmasn]

Allow me to jump in here...
DoinTime needs to clarify-the Saabs at Pinnacle sucked. We should know we got about 10 of your straight B's and OH WHAT A JOY they are to fly...I dont blame you for that opinion but the points being made here are good ones...

It's exciting to get hired into a jet...but in reality it doesnt mean a whole lot.
1. Newhires are not chosen to fly the jet because of their SUPERIOR flying skills
2. All FO's at Mesaba make the same money, you're not financially better off flying our jets (until you upgrade)
3. The first plane FO's will be able to hold captain on is the Saab, unless you HOLD OUT like some.

As far as I am concerned the Saab is the best thing for your new career...just spend one Winter in the Mid-west. That's REAL flying and REAL experience. You might get that on our jets as well...but I guarantee you not to the extent that you would on the Saab. So bash it all you want but Pinnacle still sucks.

 

[BoDEAN]

Mine was walked in 2nd week of August, still waiting for interview call.