LoudFastRules

Nothing like looking down at your Jepp binder after :45 enroute and seeing your plates thoroughly soaked and stuck together by Saab Drip.

AV8R

I friggin got doused today.

WIFlyer

Got dripped on all through IOE. Going to wear a helmet to avoid brain trauma from the OP as well and I am only 5'11"!! I am getting good at ducking now though so hopefully I won't ding the noggen too many more times. It is fun though and those landings just keep getting better and better.

gbntpilot

Hey! I was there with ya. I got the call on Tuesday, right before I was flying out to interview with Pinnacle (literally on my way to PHX). I got hired there too. I've got class dates at both Mesaba and Pinnacle on Oct. 8th, but I'm not sure which one to take, and looking for advice.

I have a feeling that most people posting in this thread are going to say go with Mesaba, but I'd still like to see the reasoning behind thier preferences.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ad.php?t=16645

Thanks!

LoudFastRules

Well, our management at Mesaba are corrupt clowns, as are so many regional management teams.

However, from what I've heard from guys at PCL, you will be treated better at Mesaba. You will still probably get frustrated as an employee, but probably not as frequently or extremely. There are happy guys and unhappy guys at both airlines.

FO pay is higher at Mesaba.

Upgrade is down to 3 years, and will soon be one year (I HAD TO CORRECT THIS, my apologies).

We are still getting the 15 CR200's, they have just been delayed, and we are being told they will resume delivery in November.

At Mesaba, you are an employee on day one, you get your ID on day one, you are paid your monthly guarantee (75 hours) from day one, you can jumpseat from day one (though it takes a couple of weeks to get CASS for upfront), you and your family can nonrev from day one (though it actually takes a week or two to fill out and process the forms).

You get your health coverage and other benefits on the first of the month following your hire month (usually one or two weeks after day one of training).

You will always, absolutely get a free single occupancy hotel room during training (unless you live in the twin cities area). Even local guys can sometimes get the free room if they need it due to a weird sim schedule or distractions at home. This policy can not be changed on a whim by management.

Your longevity begins on day one of training, so your raise comes a lot sooner.

You will always get at least 11 days of at Mesaba. Line holders get from 11 up to 18 days off, with ample lines in the 15 day off range. I have no ideas what the schedules are like at PCL. You will get worked on reserve at either company, but I believe the reserve rules are somewhat better at Mesaba. As an FO you probably wont spend too much time on reserve at either place.

However, you would earn more as a CRJ Capt. at PCL then you would as a SF3 Capt at Mesaba. The CRJ Capt. pay scales are similar between the two companies.

Squawk_5543

That is awesome!!

p.s. - good write up.

WIFlyer

I started in May and am less than 100 away from upgrade at this point and having fun flying the Saab!

LoudFastRules

I apologize, I totally screwed up on the upgrade time!!! (I guess I forgot about the time I was furloughed!)

Upgrade time is 3 years, not 2 years.

Upgrades have come down to fall/winter 2004 hires. Then, there are a handful of 2005 hires (about 30, I think) who will get upgraded soon. After the 2005 hires, there are NO 2006 hires.

The upshot is, the final 2004 and 2005 hires will probably upgrade in the next 3-6 months. After them, the 2007 hires will be up.

So, again, I apologize for my screw up.

However, upgrade is now 3 years, soon to be 2 years, and then to be the 2007 hires (maybe 6-12 months out for those guys).

Mesaba03

Got the FOM today started looking over. Is the test during Indoc all on the FOM? Is it pretty hard? A lot to take in at first, but i'm sure during ground school they make it easier for ya.

dunlaf05

Anyone know when you are assigned Aircraft and Base?