Messaba CRJ

[xcr600]

Mesaba CRJ

OK XJ guys I am looking for your opinion on this. I have been recently hired by Mesaba to start next month in what I am told will be one of the first CRJ classes. What kind of schedule do you think I am going to end up with in the short / long term. I am thinking being in the early CRJ class should give me a good chance at holding a line right out of IOE, is this reasonable? Also I have heard rumor of other FOs switching to the CRJ. Will they do this? the way i read it if they take a voluntary AC switch they will be seat-locked for another 24 months. And if others do switch to the CRJ will they be able to out bid me for a line? This is all so exciting yet confusing at the same time.

Thanks

 

[Detroitpilot22]

crj

i dont know why anyone would give up another 2 years just to fly the jet, at mesaba you upgrade to captain in the saab anyways. Plus the pay is the same. I would think that you would get a line right away and I hope to join you soon.

 

[Mike man]

I'm sure its all based on senority...and since Mesaba F/O's can bid between AC you may be senior on the CRJ for a few months until prooving runs and stuff are all finished then any F/O who is not seat locked can come in above you.

 

[Workin'Stiff]

You're probably gonna see very few FO make a lateral shift to the CRJ. Most who are eligible to do it will stay put until they upgrade. There's very few reasons to do it. Regardless of which aircraft we fly, FO's get paid the same. And the seatlock is a big negative. So I wouldn't worry about FO's switchin' to the CRJ.

 

[xcr600]

So by a 'big negative' do you mean that the seatlock does not exist or just the fact that it does so most will not be willing to be seat-locked for another 2 years?

 

[saabtrash]

The seat lock exists. 24 months.

 

[DoinTime]

I recently heard that the XJ CRJ program is running well behind schedule and CRJ's won't be flying at Mesaba until December? Any truth to this? I can't imagine that they would start training (FO's especially) for an aircraft that was five to six months from flying.

When we started getting CRJs the FO's that were assigned that position sat around doing nothing for months while all the captains were out flying together trying to get off high mins.

 

[MACH-TUCK]

Just wondering where is Mesaba going to do there sim training for the new CRJ?

 

[FlyingFerris]

Montreal is where the guys will be sent. That's at least the intial until a sim can be brought to pan am.

 

[Workin'Stiff]

We really haven't heard too much in terms of a progress report as of lately. We just had a vacancy notice a couple of days ago looking for the ICLCA (Initial Cadre Line Check Airmen). But since the announcement, they said that the first classes will start rolling in August for captains and FOs. And we haven't heard anything contrary to that, as of yet...

 

[Regional4life]

First class starts July 25th (initial cadre). Next class starts in mid August. How do you know that you are going to the CRJ? They are running classes in all aircraft each month and 2 classes a month in the Saab until September (maybe longer but I just heard September). You sound a little to confident that you are going to the CRJ. From what I'm told, they don't tell you what aircraft that you are going to until you get to class. Not to rain on your parade, but all three aircraft are taking FO's. You sound like you could be one of those Avro FO's hired 6 years ago saying "They hired me specifically for the jet!! I'll never touch a turbo prop!!" Give me a break. Just be lucky to have a job with a good company, regardless of equipment. If others do switch to the CRJ, then yes, they out bid you. It's all based on seniority. However, good news is, things are moving. Regardless of equipment, you will move in seniority. Remember, for every CRJ captain position, it's a backfill of at least two other positions. I heard that all APD and fleet manager positions are filled for the CRJ. Is it true that all systems training will be in MSP and sim in Montreal? Anyone know for sure when sim will be in MSP?

 

[Regional4life]

By the way, MESSABA is spelled MESABA. Nice start.

 

[Regional4life]

Okay, I just re-read my last two posts, and I think I probably came across as an a**hole. And for those ready to take pot shots, go ahead. However, I just got rubbed the wrong way with this post. I've flown with a ton of FO's that's been sitting reserve for numerous years and it just edged a nerve with a new hire coming in saying "I'm going to the jet" (remind anyone else of Avro FO's years ago?) and "When can I get a line?" There are a lot of FO's, (okay, I'll quit Avro bashing), on both A/C that have sat reserve for a long time. I really don't care if this new hire gets a line right away when these other guys have been busting their ass on reserve for how long? And again, I'll admit, I probably took it the wrong way, but for a new hire, looking for a line, spells it MESS ABA instead of mesaba, pissed me off a little. For those ready to bash, sorry for having company pride and thinking those already here deserve more than a new hire.

 

[smokey999]

That sounds like something a chick would say. "I'm sorry......but.
Get over it!

 

[Regional4life]

Curious, how long have you sat reserve? Did you battle out a contract over how long? Did you watch your company shrink? Did you get furloughed how many times? Did you play the management games? Did you sit while the company shutdown and the union battled it out for the pilots? Nice reply. Got anything else?

There are numerous Mesaba FO's that have been furloughed more than once with this company, and are still back here and have positive things to say about Mesaba. They deserve a line before any new hire. Try again.

 

[de Pez]

Regional4life:

Why you gotta be that way? He/she was asking simple questions...Clearly the initial misspelling of Mesaba would give you a clue.

Your questions, on the other hand, were confrontational and error ridden:

"How long have you sat reserve?"
"Did you battle out a contract over how long?"
"Did you get furloughed how many times?"

These statements leave something to be desired, grammatically speaking...
You are correct in that this field is seniority driven, however with regard to your less than professional diatribe, perhaps it is you who should "try again".

 

[Yudso]

As a newhire what difference does it make when you can hold a line. Just be happy that you got hired by a decent company that is growing. Remember, before you can bid anything, you must pass indoc, systems, and sims. Good luck to you and don't worry about things that are beyond your control.

 

[House_X]

As a newhire what difference does it make when you can hold a line. Just be happy that you got hired by a decent company that is growing. Remember, before you can bid anything, you must pass indoc, systems, and sims. Good luck to you and don't worry about things that are beyond your control.

Obviously, you don't have a wife and kids...and you don't care about QOL. Being on reserve at ANY regional $%cks...unless you live at the domicile...

 

[MACH-TUCK]

I went to an interview with Mesaba and Pinnacle in the same week and was offerd the job at both companies.............I choose Pinnacle.... I thought that I could upgrade faster. Now I clearly see, and will always regret the choice I made. Some guy named Mike Anderson from Mesaba called me the other day and asked me if I wanted a class date, I told him I was at Pinnacle and he said "mmmmmmmmmmmm, well your more than welcome to come here still". Any advise for a depressed Peanukkle FO?

 

[Workin'Stiff]

Don't walk, run!