Mesaba Questions
02-29-2008, 04:51 PM
#51
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: 330 B
Posts: 1,626
I have not run into much of the "Jet vs Prop"" online or in the crew rooms... Last week however, I was jumpseating to work, I had to sit in the jumpseat of the -900. When they asked me what I flew I told the the SAAB out of DTW, to which the Capt said "I'm sorry" both the Capt and FO busted out laughing... That was a little weird and uncalled for, kinda made the intorduction and the first few minutes a little awkard, but I didn't let it get to me. As long as too much of that crap isnt going on then I think there is mutual respect out there between the two groups.
03-01-2008, 07:35 AM
#52
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: Captain, Lear 31A, 35A
Posts: 46
After flying there for 7.5 years I can honestly say it was like mulit-pilot groups within the company. During that time there were many difficult pills to swallow. I was in a group that both upgraded and downgraded and upgraded again. However there were others that did that X2. Now thats one bitter pill-to swallow, damn near cyanide! One thing I did notice is that XJ was a multi-faced company in the sense of differences. MSP/DTW/MEM crews, Avro crews/Saab crews. It was most surely different flying--some for the better, and some worse. The SF had better sked hands down with utilization, but the Avro was more comfy. Its all what you make of it and more over get out of it (experience for when you upgrade). I found its not the flying that was the hard part, it was what all you have to deal with (pax, agents, WX, dispatch, CS and such) and be able to communicate with them all and your crew. It was good to have started as an FO because I was able to see the different captains handle situations and learned from that. There is (or was) a little of us vs. them. There always will be, and it goes on at each airline. I had UPS DC8 crews make fun of the 757 guys right in front of them. (they poked fun at being "loafer wearers"). But one item I will never forget from XJ is the culture of SAFETY. To the new hires, be open minded and get out of each flying experience of what you put into it. Learn what works, what doesnt, and how most situations can be best handled. Remember its not just the flying that preceds one's repuation, but how you carry yourself as a Mesaba pilot. You never know how quickly that upgrade number will come.
03-01-2008, 08:29 AM
#53
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: Left Out
Posts: 139
Any sign of hiring slowing down there? I would be looking to apply at the end of summer. Does it look like hiring will still be occuring? Any help from the inside would be appreciated.
Last edited by Joepa84; 03-01-2008 at 08:29 AM. Reason: better wording
03-01-2008, 08:53 AM
#54
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: 737 FO
Posts: 141
After flying there for 7.5 years I can honestly say it was like mulit-pilot groups within the company. During that time there were many difficult pills to swallow. I was in a group that both upgraded and downgraded and upgraded again. However there were others that did that X2. Now thats one bitter pill-to swallow, damn near cyanide! One thing I did notice is that XJ was a multi-faced company in the sense of differences. MSP/DTW/MEM crews, Avro crews/Saab crews. It was most surely different flying--some for the better, and some worse. The SF had better sked hands down with utilization, but the Avro was more comfy. Its all what you make of it and more over get out of it (experience for when you upgrade). I found its not the flying that was the hard part, it was what all you have to deal with (pax, agents, WX, dispatch, CS and such) and be able to communicate with them all and your crew. It was good to have started as an FO because I was able to see the different captains handle situations and learned from that. There is (or was) a little of us vs. them. There always will be, and it goes on at each airline. I had UPS DC8 crews make fun of the 757 guys right in front of them. (they poked fun at being "loafer wearers"). But one item I will never forget from XJ is the culture of SAFETY. To the new hires, be open minded and get out of each flying experience of what you put into it. Learn what works, what doesnt, and how most situations can be best handled. Remember its not just the flying that preceds one's repuation, but how you carry yourself as a Mesaba pilot. You never know how quickly that upgrade number will come.
03-02-2008, 09:54 AM
#56
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 50
I can tell you that most of the -900 captains are the most senior guys in the company. They also used to fly the Avro. When Mesaba went into Chapter 11, they got rid of the Avros and these guys were forced back down to the Saab which in addition to a significant pay cut, they were all very fond of the Avro...some even seem to prefer it to the 900, but thats neither here nor there. The point is, it was a tough pill to swallow so for that reason, most of them don't have much love for the Saab and I can understand. I doubt very highly that they thought less of you personally though.
03-02-2008, 10:39 AM
#57
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 614
I can tell you that most of the -900 captains are the most senior guys in the company. They also used to fly the Avro. When Mesaba went into Chapter 11, they got rid of the Avros and these guys were forced back down to the Saab which in addition to a significant pay cut, they were all very fond of the Avro...some even seem to prefer it to the 900, but thats neither here nor there. The point is, it was a tough pill to swallow so for that reason, most of them don't have much love for the Saab and I can understand. I doubt very highly that they thought less of you personally though.
Most of them never saw the pay cut. They sat in the saab or crj at the same pay until the last person requaled for the new position. Then they all went to the 900 and 200.
03-05-2008, 07:23 AM
#58
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: Captain, Lear 31A, 35A
Posts: 46
No problem. Im still friends with an LCA out of DTW and keep up now and then with my alma mater. Dont hesitate to PM me if you have questions. Mesaba's culture will remain the same and I still see alot of guys are still there when I was. Cant give you operational on aircraft unless its the SF340, and even then I know they have changed profiles since I left in late 06. But expectations and how to study, etc I would be more than hapy to share any insight that I can.
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