Navmode

What part of what he said did you disagree with? I'd say that's solid advice. Being a captain is a lot more than flying the airplane well.

cherokee micro

Yes I agree. The problem with some Mesa captains though is that they are not even competent to do that... Especially the "2500 hours captains". They are not even capable to fly "two red - two white"
No need to discuss about avoiding bad weather... If there is a cloud ahead .. They just go for it !

FrequentFly3r

This whole argument exists because people are mad that they got stuck in the right seat for 9 years before they got to upgrade. In their eyes you aren't ready to upgrade until you've done the same. I agree not everyone is ready at the minimums, but let the training department worry about it. There used to be 1500 hour captains and 250 hour FOs flying around together and airplanes weren't falling out of the sky.

ScottyDo

Completely agree, everyone can get off their soap box now.

Jdaviat10

I'm just starting and was wondering if anyone had an idea of latest reserve times and base for F/O's for CRJ or E-Jets. Thanks!

tinman1

You make a valid point. But let's hate the game for a moment and not the player. One reason folks upgrade at mins is because of Mesa's awful, industry low FO pay. You can disagree with me but it's the truth, and JO has specifically set it up that way. If that weren't the case and I were making $40k plus a year, then I would probably stay an FO for a little while longer as my schedule rocks bidding top 25% in base.

To other reason is career progression, which we all know why. I have given some serious thought into jumping ship and going to another regional with better FO pay, but contributing to management's sadistic whipsaw motives is a last resort for me personally.

That being said I am doing everything I can to be as prepared as possible for upgrade training. I have had the fortunate experience of flying with some very seasoned Captains in PHX. I've had the chance to pick their brains and talk about different scenarios that one might face as a CA. I can count on one hand the number of CAs I've flown with who have been with the company less than 10 years, so again I've been very fortunate to fly with some very experienced and knowledgeable CAs who do everything they can to impart that knowledge to us younger FOs. Also I am transferring to DFW and bidding landings in places like GRR, DSM, and FSD to get experience flying in winter weather.

I can't speak for the FOs you hear bragging about upgrades in the crew room, but I am definitely taking this seriously and want to be as prepared as possible not to just make it through training, but to be a safe and competent CA.

121again

Being in command isn't just about what happens when the cockpit door is closed.

baldrick

well said tinman. over the years i've heard plenty of f/os after shooting off their mouth about what a great capt. they'll be bust the upgrade because all their preparation is limited to complaining in the crew room. you'll be one of the ones to get through and make a good capt. keep studying and asking your questions!

Harpyr

To me, saying "I pray for all of you who are at just the minimums and I pray for the people you fly" makes Duct Mon pretty douchy. I guess if he has had first hand experience with the person to whom he was referring, then I made an assumption that was wrong.

Pilots have always crapped on those who are "just barely at the mins", forgetting that hours aren't everything, and we are all capable of screwing up.

Hopefully Mesa churns out more CA's like you, though, and that's not a joke. I'm pretty sure I've flown with you and you're top notch, so keep it up.

Bikingscott

^^^^^^ That...Well said! ^^^^^^^^

May I also add that as a long term (stuck) FO in PHX, I learned from
EVERY captain I flew with: I would learn lots of good things, AND I'd watch and see $hit from others that I make a mental note to never-ever try to do it that way.
Not to mention any names, but "Pizza Pizza" comes to mind..