BeatNavy

With as many people as Mesa has still filling classes, and as many people who are getting TPIC (and not) and leaving, and more flying coming to Mesa (...wait for it...its coming...), the quick upgrade express will be around for a while. Not saying to necessarily come to Mesa, but it isn't a horrible place to work. I never had issues with crew tracking, always had a good experience dealing with the chief pilots when I had an issue I needed help with, and I got my time and got out. Pay and benefits aren't great, but that isn't everything. I never didn't get on a plane when I commuted due to being a lower priority on AA or UA. Maybe I just got lucky.

A year and a half ago FaceBiter was saying people were dumb for going to Mesa and that we all missed the quick upgrade train. A year ago people were saying the same thing. 6 months ago people were saying the same thing. People are still saying it. But it's still here. I think upgrade will stay around 1.5-2 years for the ejet (maybe longer if there's a delay between the last of this last batch of ejets and the next batch that's announced), probably quicker for the CRJ if you have the requisite time.

Mesa has it's shortcomings, but it worked for me (and my family). I probably wouldn't commute to work as an FO at Mesa. But I would work there again if I lived in base.

ScottyDo

Bro you don't even work here anymore so why are you on here still cheer leading? Yes Mesa is a good company with the flaws of hotels and pay. Do you really think that helps us with the fight of getting pilots here a better wage if we keep waving them through the door with the carrot of a "quick upgrade"? The recruiters spread that BS around enough as it is. Since you obviously don't understand it I'll explain some basic business practices to you. If people still keep coming through the door and filling each class, then the company has NO reason to give us industry average pay.

So please explain to me where I am wrong in any of that.

BeatNavy

Other airlines fill classes and pay pilots. You don't have to have a staffing shortage to get decent pay. Low pay is a known factor at Mesa. All those coming in (a lot lately) know what their pay will be. If they haven't done the due diligence on something as simple as pay, and are surprised at their first paycheck, well that's on them. There is nothing a bunch of internet warriors can do to affect/reduce Mesa's hiring, which is your goal.

Also, if you are planning on getting an industry standard contract from JO during your career at Mesa, you don't have a good plan. Unfortunately, I don't think it will happen, as much as I hope it does for you all. I don't think it'd even happen if Mesa was canceling flights due to pilot staffing issues. He'd give sign on bonuses before he'd increase all wages and allow other needed improvements to the contract. Get in and get out is the only way to approach Mesa employment. If you can deal with it for the short term and have a long term backup plan, it isn't bad.

CBreezy

Man, what a defeatist attitude.

HighFlight

Actually, I'd say that he pretty much gets it, and is 100% accurate. Perhaps that's why he "did his time at Mesa" and moved on to a better job. I would recommend you and others open up your eyes and your options, too.

HighFlight

Bro, I'll tell you how you're wrong. You sit anonymously behind a keyboard, telling everyone else to stay away, expounding on how horrible life at Mesa is, yet you don't have the cajones to leave yourself.

Hypocrite | Definition of Hypocrite by Merriam-Webster

iFlyRC

The only defeatist attitude is deciding to be a lifer at a regional when there's opportunity to move on

BeatNavy

No. The Mesa Union has a defeatist attitude. I have a realistic attitude. Keyboard warrioring trying to keep people from coming to Mesa won't help get a decent contract. Volunteering and trying to be an activist (you know trying to picket and such) would be more useful. But the majority aren't willing to put that effort in to improve Mesa. I wasn't. I flew and hung out with my family. Most at Mesa want to get in and out. The few who do have a long term vested interest in improving things and do volunteer have been beat down by ornstein so much that they have Stockholm syndrome and/or know he won't negotiate. That's why our NC chair quit (from what I heard). She found out she wouldn't be able to get anything no matter how good of a lawyer and negotiator she was.

It's not that I have a defeatist attitude. It's realistic expectation management. Know Mesa for what it is, use Mesa like they use cheap labor, and don't stay for long. If you go hoping for a new contract during your stay and think it'd be an okay place to work long term, you are setting yourself up for disappointment and poor financial planning. That's my point. It's a short term get current, get ATP/type, check a 121 box, maybe get a quick upgrade, etc kind of airline. Not a career company. And they are open about that when you "interview." They want turnover too. Keeps costs down (to a point).

UofIflyer

Anyone interested in a dual cup fat gecko iPad mount? I've got one I no longer need. PM me if you want it, it's in good shape. $30 plus whatever shipping is OBO?

ScottyDo

So I have to ask. Who do you even work for? It seems like you comment in every regionals forum talking like you work there.