Mesa Airlines

Pilots choose Mesa because of the real opportunities that exist for both experienced pilots and newcomers to the industry. Mesa’s training, job security and upgrade times are second to none. Since our latest expansion began in the spring of 2013, we have upgraded more than 400 pilots, many in less than two years.

Mesa crews have enjoyed higher career earnings due to upgrade opportunities, job stability through long-term partnerships with major airlines, and the opportunity to fly large, in-demand Bombardier CRJ700/900 and Embraer E175 aircraft.

A testament to our success and future opportunities – is the fact that – while our growth is among the fastest in the industry, our pilot attrition is among the lowest.

Mesa Airlines…A Proud History, A Very Bright Future…

Mesa Airlines’ story began near a windy mesa in the unassuming town of Farmington, New Mexico. The company’s founders, Larry Risley (an A&P mechanic) and his wife Janie, mortgaged their house to pursue their dream of operating an airline. In 1982, “Mesa Air Shuttle” launched scheduled service between Farmington and Albuquerque with a five-seat Piper Chieftain aircraft. The call sign “Air Shuttle” is still in use today as a tribute to our earliest days. It was the beginning of what would become one of the industry’s most successful regional airlines.

Is the Sky Calling? Mesa is the Answer.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona since 1998, Mesa Airlines provides regional air service for American Airlines under the American Eagle banner from hubs in Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth and for United Airlines under the United Express brand from Washington Dulles and Houston.

Since 2013, Mesa has more than doubled in size from 58 aircraft to 122, which will increase to 133 with currently-scheduled deliveries this year. The company has been in a rapid growth phase – creating more than 1,200 jobs, expanding our contracts with American and United to 2025 and 2028, and providing growth, new opportunities and job security for employees. Mesa currently operates more than 616 daily system departures to 105 cities, 37 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico.

In addition to attractive crew bases in livable hub cities, Mesa flies in-demand Bombardier CRJ700/900 and Embraer E175 aircraft – with no 50-seat aircraft to park, and is fortunate to be one of the regional airlines continuing to attract pilots, fill classes and provide unparalleled upgrade opportunities.

Tops in Ops

In May 2014, Mesa launched the Performance Pays program to raise awareness of the company’s operational performance requirements for United and American and to reward employees for working together to achieve these goals. The monthly bonus program rewards Mesa employees for outstanding operational performance and top customer service scores from passengers. Between May 2014 and February 2016, the company exceeded $2.3 million in monthly incentive bonuses paid to employees.

While doubling in fleet size and opening new bases, the people of Mesa worked together to ensure every new aircraft was in service on time (or ahead) of schedule and that Mesa continues to be a top industry performer.

There have been many exciting changes at Mesa, including our look. In February 2015, Mesa launched a new, more employee-focused website and an updated logo design.  We have invested in new technology, increased communications and updated our facilities to continue to engage our employees and attract new ones.

On Line – On Time

• E175 in Service at United

In September 2013, Mesa announced a new agreement with United Airlines to extend the term of its CRJ700 fleet. The company was also selected to operate 30 new E175s, the first regional aircraft ever purchased by United. Between June 2014 and April 2016, 37 Embraer E175 aircraft entered service. While more than doubling the United Express Fleet, Mesa maintained its longstanding position as a top regional performer in the United Airlines system.

• CRJ900 Expansion Aircraft in Service at American

A key milestone for Mesa’s growth came in 2013 with a CRJ900 contract extension, solidifying a decades-long relationship with America West and US Airways. This created an opportunity to expand with the new American. Since May 2014, Mesa has added 14 CRJ900s to its American Eagle fleet, including seven factory-new CRJ900 Next Gen aircraft, and was selected to operate in American’s headquarters city in 2015.

Pilots Helping Pilots Progress in Their Careers

To support its ongoing growth, Mesa has expanded its focus on attracting highly qualified and engaged employees by combining leading-edge technologies with a newly-formed, energetic professional recruiting department. At Mesa, Recruiting is About Pilots Helping Pilots Progress in Their Careers. As a result the recruiting department is staffed by both senior Mesa Captains and newly-upgraded PICs. In fact, selecting outstanding candidates for Mesa is such a high priority, the flight operations, inflight and maintenance recruiting departments are located adjacent to the CEO’s and Chief Operating Officer’s Offices. Executive and senior management is also directly involved in the hiring process of both line employees and management candidates through video and web-based interviews.

Benefits

• Pilots hired at Mesa Airlines receive an Airline Transport Pilot type rating upon completion of initial training (CL-65 or EMB170/190)
• Pilots receive unlimited travel benefits including jump seat agreements.
• Family members (spouse, domestic partner, dependents, and parents) also receive travel benefits on our code share partners
• Mesa Airlines offers competitive medical and dental benefits, vision, life, 401K and travel benefits with our code-share partners
• ATP flight instructors receive tuition reimbursement
• ATP-CTP course provided by Mesa Airlines for those pilots who qualify
• Crew Bases
  • Phoenix (PHX)
  • Dallas (DFW)
  • Washington Dulles (IAD)
  • Houston (IAH)
• Mesa pilots are initially assigned to a hub city based on current openings in seniority order
• Electronic Flight Bag
• Mesa Airlines was the FIRST airline approved for Electronic Flight Bag usage for all phases of flight
• All manuals and charts are issued electronically at no cost via a pilot provided iPad
• Each pilot is required to have an iPad (2, 3, 4, Air, or Air2) prior to simulator training

Training

• Pilots will receive FULL monthly guarantee pay from the start of training
• Ground Training is conducted at the Mesa Airlines’ Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona
• The Company provides single-occupancy lodging during training
• Pilots receive per diem during training and at the completion of IOE.
• Each new hire is assigned a mentor to assist them through their first six months of employment.

Qualifications (ATP Minimums)

• 1500 hours Total Flight Time
• 500 hours Cross Country Time
• 100 hours Total Night Time
• 50 hours Multi Engine Time, Fixed Wing
• 250 hours of Pilot in Command Time, Fixed wing
• 100 hours of Instrument time
• Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi Engine and Instrument ratings
• Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
• Ability to demonstrate instrument proficiency
• ATP Written (CTP training can be provided to qualified applicants)
• FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
• Current Valid Passport
• At least 23 years of age
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Able to pass security background check and FAA mandated drug test
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to read and speak English language
• Restricted ATP Requirements
• Military – 750 Hours
• Four-Year Degree from approved aviation program – 1,000 Hours
• Two-Year Degree from approved aviation program – 1,250 Hours
• At least 21 Years of Age – 1,500 Hours
• 200 Hours Cross Country Time
• All other ATP Requirements Apply
• Mesa Airlines recognizes the skills associated with helicopter flying. Rotary Wing time may be included in Total Time, but the applicant must meet the 100-hour Multi-Engine, Fixed Wing requirement.

Communicate Openly and Often

In addition to Mesa’s new website and social media channels, the airline communicates regularly through employee newsletters, quarterly town hall meetings, company-wide conference calls, CEO lunches for new employees, and recently launched an online company store.

We are growing and hiring – It’s a great time to join Mesa Airlines!

Interview with Marcin Kolodziejczyk, Manager of Recruiting and CRJ700/900 Captain at Mesa Airlines

Pre Interview:

Craig: How do you select applicants to be brought in for an interview?

Marcin: Our recruiting department utilizes both AirlineApps and Virtual Edge to review applications from qualified pilot candidates.

C: Can you explain the point system associated with online application process and what types of things count for points?

A: Points are given for internal referrals, education, previous 121 airline experience and type ratings, as well military aviation experience.

C: What can an applicant do to increase their chances of being called for an interview?

A: Receive a referral from a current Mesa employee, contact pilot recruiting at [email protected], and accurately and thoroughly complete an application.

C: How critical is it to attend a job fair to get an interview?

A: While it is not required, it is helpful for recruiters to get to know applicants in person first impressions count.

C: What is the best way to prepare for an interview with your company?

A: Be knowledgeable of your current flying profession as it pertains to part 61, 91, 121. Do your homework on the industry, be honest and look sharp.

Interview:

C: Do you recommend that applicants get to your headquarters city the day before and get a hotel room for the night?

A: No, Mesa will provide their airline transportation as well as hotel accommodations.

C: Can you walk me through a typical day of interviews?

A: Applicants arrive at the corporate headquarters at 9:00 a.m., take a tour at 9:30 a.m., watch presentation at 10:30 a.m., and interview at 11:00 a.m.

C: What kind of questions can an applicant expect to be asked?

A: Questions regarding their application, technical flying background and future goals.

C: Can you give me some examples of the TMAAT questions that you like to ask?

A: We typically focus on other areas within the applicant’s history.

C: What are some of the biggest mistakes that applicants make during the interview process?

A: Looking unprofessional, errors in logbook or resume, and not being forthcoming.

Written test:

C: Is there a written or computer test?

A: No

Simulator Evaluation:

C: Do you have a simulator ride?

A: No

Post Interview:

C: Do you tell applicants they are hired in person that day?

A:  Often, yes.

C: If not, how long do applicants have to wait to know if they are hired?

A:  1-2 weeks.

C: How soon can an applicant expect a class date after being hired?

A: 2-3 weeks.

General:

C: How many pilots does your airline expect to hire this year?

A: Approximately 500-600.

C: Can you explain the ATP-CQP class that your company offers?

A: We contract through ATP Flight School at their Dallas, Texas location.  The paid CTP course lets pilots earn seniority.

C: Do you have a hiring bonus? Is there any specific criterion to qualify for the bonus?

A: No, however we have an internal referral bonus that will pay an employee $10,000 for each new hire without a limit to the number of referrals .

C: Can you describe the career path program that Mesa has with ATP?

A: We currently offer Mesa TAP, a Tuition Assistance Program for ATP Instructors, $11,000 in tuition.