calmwinds

When you left Mesa, why didn’t you go to a different regional like XJT or PSA when you left Mesa? Couldn’t you get hired by a different regional when you came to Mesa? Is the Mesa “stink” all over you?

No Land 3

I had an 18 month upgrade and was making more at Mesa at that point in time than if I was to go to another regional. No one else was offering a fast upgrade, at that time. Today things are different.

calmwinds

How are things different? Other regionals have a faster upgrade now? I have repeatedly recommended that people go to a regional with a flow if they can. That is a big difference.

Sometimes, people don’t want to commute. That is perfectly fine. It isn’t something to be attacked. Pilots have among the highest divorce rates among professions. I find it admirable that a pilot values time with their family.

I agree that many coming to Mesa now won’t have the basic background to earn an interview at Southwest or another major. No 4 year degree. No military service as a pilot. No line check airman. I think a lot of our problem is that some of our recruits won’t do the hard work to make it to the next level. Also, many of our recruits have been given a second chance. Their destiny is not the majors. Spirit or Atlas or Kalitta is where they are headed. Not FedEx, UPS, United, Delta, Southwest, or American.

Compared to when you came through, let’s take the Ejet. Where can a pilot go and get a 21 month upgrade? Somewhere in this post, one of our FO’s says he made $70k his first year. CA’s make over $100k if they get pick up 300%. Tell me what regional where that is done?

To come on here and say there is a Mesa stink is just being a troll.

chrisreedrules

FOs at Endeavor and the AA WOs are making over $70K when you take bonuses into consideration. A couple of $5,000 referral bonuses are all it takes to push one over that mark. I’ll have made over $60,000 this year and I barely work. I’ve been off 18-19 days /month for over half the year.

And why do Mesa pilots constantly tout the E-Jet? Who even truthfully cares that you offer the, “fastest upgrade on the E-Jet”. None of that matters at all for anyone’s careers except maybe in their own heads.

And as I stated earlier. Commuting is a moot point when it is easily done at an AA WO with excellent boarding priority or better yet at Endeavor where they will now positive space you to work. No more going in a day early or staying a day after. Divorce happens with or without commuting. There are usually much larger contributing factors than one’s commute to work or not...

Stuff11

Sounds military... if so, use your connections to get honest reviews. I know there's a pipeline with rotor guys for interview help and honest industry insight.

Even if you're not military, so long as you don't have any F ups, you could get hired anywhere you want. Interview everywhere, hear their song and dance, collect CJO's and then decide. DO NOT automatically go to the first airline to give you a job offer. Shop around. Your resume allows for it.

Stuff11

Agreed. Republic and SKW actually own their own 170/5's. Mesa does not. Translation, no tangible assets and can be taken away by UAL the moment the performance slips. And as said before, PIC time only matters to one's own ego. Every Pilot get's an ATP and therefor every pilot at an airline is equal regardless of stripes.

No Land 3

I am at Kalitta right now, and I would say that your FO’s would have an easier time getting hired at Delta, United, AA, than over here post new contract.
I think most guys at Mesa, because I was one of them, only know one thing, and that’s flying PAX. It takes a leap of faith to try something different, and most won’t try that. They view Spirit as being the same exact job as they are doing now, but with four days off between trips, so they want Spirit. Places like Kalitta, Atlas, other ACMI’s, most have a negative view of them and discount them. I can only speak for myself, but not having to deal with commuting, pax, flight attendants, gate agents, and airport terminals every day, I get nightmares about going back to pax flying.
I think the best thing a regional guy can do is broaden their view on what they would like to do. One of my friends will only go to United, or stay at Mesa. That’s a recipe for turning into a Mesa lifer.
Another shot in the foot is not upgrading. No one will hire a lifer regional FO, because they want to see normal career progression. Not upgrading when their seniority can hold it, but not only hold it, but be a senior CA, that is a huge red flag. Well I shouldn’t say no one, some still make it out. And above all else, it’s all crap luck.

bnkangle

You evidently don't have any children. I'd rather spend more time with my children than make a little more money commuting. Time is precious and finite. I'll never get another chance to watch my kids grow up and listen to them call me "Daddy." My time and relationship with them is worth more to me than gold. I value my kids much more than which company is printed on my paychecks. Once you have a child, your needs and wants suddenly aren't that important.

You'll never understand any of this until you have a child of your own.

Aurora8

Both my sim instructors at SKW were older senior CA's and they both regretted being away from home so much at the beginning of their careers, and the fact they didn't spend enough time with their kids when they were growing up; they said because of their continual absences, the kids had no interest in becoming pilots. They're trying to make up for it now with their grandchildren.

chrisreedrules

You don’t know anything about me. So don’t make assumptions. And besides, if time off with kids is your thing then why wouldn’t you go to PSA where you can utilize the SAP and have literally any day off that you need? And you may commute but you will likely be home much more with 17-18 days off /month if you want. And you can ensure that all of your trips are same-day commutable.