Why Mesa? - Airline Pilot Central Forums (2024)

BlockO

Joined APC: Jul 2021

Posts: 84

I currently work for RPA and while I love the people here I am done with the commuting life.

After being married and soon to have a kid on the way maximizing days off at home is a priority rather than commuting.

Although I have the ERJ type I am looking to be DFW based so CRJ is priority seeing how there’s the least delay training wise and getting on the line.

I applied to Envoy and Skywest, but haven’t heard anything back yet.

What made you pick Mesa?

How are the trips on the CRJ?

Can you block a good amount of flight time on the CRJ vs ERJ?

How has your training experience been at Mesa? CRJ or ERJ.

Pay aside what do you not like about Mesa?

Thanks and advance to those who took the time to answer.

510Club

Joined APC: Mar 2021

Posts: 130

Not saying SkyWest is much better than Mesa right now but why aren't you looking at SkyWest and at least getting the 121 experience pay match? DFW is pretty junior for FO and CA currently. All American 700 flying with pretty decent trips

BlockO

Joined APC: Jul 2021

Posts: 84

I sent my app into Skywest and Envoy a few weeks ago and heard nothing back.

PorkyMcFuzz

Joined APC: Dec 2020

Posts: 279

I'd honestly be going to the Aviate partner if I had the choice. The pay may be better at OO in the short term and QoL is probably about the same at both places right now, but assuming you have a possibility to flow to UA you will be better off long term with Mesa. That said I have no idea what the particulars of the program are or if CRJ guys get it.

I can't imagine you will be waiting long for calls from any regional if you are type rated and have no crazy skeletons in the closet. Hit up a recruiter directly if you can. OO will probably start you tomorrow if you come in as a street CA, I'd be pursuing your preferred regionals directly again if I were you.

Avgeek7248

Joined APC: Dec 2017

Position: Widget FO

Posts: 463

I chose Mesa for the quick upgrade and short reserve time. COVID F’d up those for me and I did switch jets for upgrade but was based in DFW on the 9 for a just over two years. The trips are solid. Reserve time is pretty short with a high level of attrition. Just know as of right now you won’t hold CRJ CA anytime soon. If that’s not a priority then you’ll get on the line relatively quickly compared to the EJET. However I’m sure with Skywest you could hold CA out of Dallas much quicker. The CRJ is a very basic and enjoyable aircraft to fly. While the EJET as you know has all the bells and whistles I really enjoyed the CRJ. Personally I’d say choose Skywest. Idk when our new contract will be able to be voted on and the AA side is and always has been a mess. Who knows what happens with that side in a few years.

BlockO

Joined APC: Jul 2021

Posts: 84

I’ll be honest and say at OO I was only wanting to fly the ERJ only because I am familiar with it. With the delays that are happening over there in general and radio silence new trainees are getting regarding IOE and getting sent home after indoc with no return dates in sight doesn’t sit well with me.

I only applied to DFW based regionals. OO hasn’t responded yet. Envoy responded with a generic email to update my airline app and after I do to email envoy recruiting which I did and no response since then. I only have about 100hrs on the ERJ so not sure if I can start as a street CA or feel comfortable with that as I am still learning the plane.

Mesa was quick. Applied on a fri and got a phone screen Monday with an interview scheduled 3 days later and got the yes the following Monday. I talked to a couple of guys(one just finished his IOE)on the CRJ and footprint was 3.5 months. I really don’t want be sitting home and collecting pay.

Yeah, that’s the word I have been getting if I start on the 9 at Mesa and if I want to upgrade it would have to be I to the ERJ.

How did you feel the training was on at Mesa for the CRJ? Instructors? I also noticed the 9 does decent legs of length. It flies all the way out west. I do like the ERJ, but it took me a while to understand the high level of automation of the plane.

Thank you Porky and Avgeek. I will wait on OO till this weekend then will prob just head out for the April class at Mesa.

terks43

Joined APC: Oct 2017

Posts: 933

DoSomePilotStuf

Joined APC: Jul 2019

Posts: 744

And the pilot training scheduling manager is fired

Swarley

Joined APC: Apr 2020

Posts: 288

Honestly the only reason why I hang around these forums is to see the gems you post. I really wish I had the chance to fly with you, pure entertainment for 4 days.

Swarley

Joined APC: Apr 2020

Posts: 288

Oh I’m sure you are. I just haven’t decided yet if you actually exist. Claiming Mesa is the place to be because they have 737s. You’ve said some funny stuff before but that one takes the cake. What’s the avg seniority date currently flying them though? Btw out of curiosity, what’s Mesas flying hours with AA these days? Cause y’all look pretty scarce in DFW right now.