To XJt or not to XJT?

[jtrain609]

Everybody keeps saying that Express needs to get bigger aircraft or they're done for, but who are they going to fly them for? It sure isn't going to be CAL, and opening up a new fleet type for 15 aircraft with Delta would be pissing money away in training and MX costs.

CoEx is STILL 75% of the flying for ExpressJet, and CAL ALPA seems to have the lock down on 50 seat scope. So until CAL ALPA gives that away, ExpressJet is in fine shape. Now if CAL ALPA pusses out and drops the 50 seat scope then...

 

[pdub20s]

I'll be the contrary guy.

Stay at Mesa. As for shtty regionals, I've been there, done that, so I know the sacrifice it entails. But there are clear upsides. Upgrade - moving to the left seat puts you on a high that lasts approximately three months, during which you don't feel the pain of working for idiots. A small thing, but being a CA is just more pleasant. The sooner you're in the left seat, the sooner you'll escape the regionals. Remember, your goal shouldn't be "Escape from Mesa." It should be "Escape from the nightmare that is the regional industry." QOL at the regional level is a farce. I'm sure most would say a senior Horizon FO maintains a stellar QOL. I could never be a seven year Dash FO, because I would have slit my wrists around year five. What's the freakin point of it? Unbreakable rule: At every regional you will work harder and longer for less money than you would at mainline.

Prompt advancement at XJT is not a sure thing. Continued 60% load factors on the branded flying and $100 oil could rapidly send a quarter of the fleet to the desert. Upgrade goes from 2-3 years to infinity overnight.

Mesa will no doubt continue to suck, which may work for you. Chronic understaffing drives up attrition, always. Lots of people, after one to many JAs, say "screw this" and walk. This is your ticket to the left seat. My airline shrank every year I was there, but maintained the quickest upgrade in the industry by virtue of conditions sucking so badly. Even if Mesa is forced to scale back modestly, progress will continue.

I'm a big proponent of present suffering in the name of future rewards. Seeing the worst of it now really makes one appreciate the next step. Suck it up and get out quickly - but don't get out now.

Truer words never spoken.

you know what?? you right!! i would be dumb to go anywhere else. FYI.. i just moved up another 20 numbes

 

[jetpig32]

Pros - only 400numbers back from CA in JFK and can upgrade as soon as i get the flight time.

Cons - Its mesa


?

Considering junior mesa/freedom CA is JFK at 984 global. If you are 400 off, that puts you around high 1300's. The roster is around low 1500, for everyone below that is yet to complete IOE. (110 or so). Looking at that, you are a long way from upgrade.

Keep in mind, JFK was a new base for the jet. Typicaly goes junior, especialy with the circus that comes along with that place.

 

[jetpig32]

Basicaly, get out ASAP. I am doing the same.

 

[pdub20s]

Considering junior mesa/freedom CA is JFK at 984 global. If you are 400 off, that puts you around high 1300's. The roster is around low 1500, for everyone below that is yet to complete IOE. (110 or so). Looking at that, you are a long way from upgrade.

Keep in mind, JFK was a new base for the jet. Typicaly goes junior, especialy with the circus that comes along with that place.

im yet to have the flt. time for upgrade. maybe in about 1 1/2 yrs i will...so ive got some time. i will hold capt. seniority wise before i have the flight time.

 

[rattler]

PIC time will not get you an interview at a major! You must be competitive, AND know someone to get you in. It took me 10 LOR, and 5 trips to the CPs office to get an interview. I know too many qualified people that have been waiting years for an interview. It is all who you know. It is definately a "good ole boys club".

With that being said, plan on getting your "1000 hours of 121 PIC jet" and sitting around for another few years untill you can move on. If you have good connections, you will move on much faster. If you meet certain demographic qualifications, or are a CPs kid, you will probably get hired as soon as you upgrade.

You must ask yourself if you would be happy sitting at Mesa for the next few years. If you can hack it, upgrade and take the good with the bad. If not go to XJET.

XJET is a fantastic company to work for, pays very well and provides a good quality of life. I spent 6+ years there and made low 6 figures with 15 days off a month my last 2 years. I don't know if that is possible at Mesa.

Also keep in mind that "there is no crystal ball"! Todays XJET may be tomorrows Mesa. This industry works in cycles, so chose wisely.