Can someone explain Mesa Pilot Development to me?
Posted by anon__a__mouse__@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 24 comments
Posted by anon__a__mouse__@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 24 comments
DearKick@reddit
This creates dogshit pilots, change my mind.
Neither-Way-4889@reddit
They still have to pass the same checkrides as you did.
Complex-Brief69@reddit
Waste of money and doesn’t help you develop any skills
Reasonable_Hippo9163@reddit
3 years ago yea. not today when they get a class date the week after hitting 1,500 hours
Complex-Brief69@reddit
No one’s getting dates at 1500 anymore brother
Reasonable_Hippo9163@reddit
you are if you're in mesa pdp
Neither-Way-4889@reddit
Bro must be using internet explorer
anon__a__mouse__@reddit (OP)
I did some flying in AZ recently and found out about these guys who fly out of Glendale. Basically, a swarm of Pipistrels every morning, taking off one after another on the same route, which seems pre-programmed and quite obviously on autopilot.
From what I was told, they are time building in a pipeline towards a first officer position with Mesa Airlines. I guess my question is, how is an airline looking at this kind of time-building as high-quality and effective? If I was to buy a plane and just depart on the same pre-programmed route every day for 6 months, I would have to assume the initial airline interview explaining it would be pretty awkward. But somehow these guys are in a program sponsored by an airline to do this on purpose?
GenoTide@reddit
Im a controller and we had a helicopter sit on a compass rose for hours per day, for weeks. Just to build time.
redditburner_5000@reddit
A local school had to actually create a policy that their dry-rate planes couldn't just be flown to the next airport over and idled all day.
Temporary-Fix9578@reddit
What do they care? Aside from spark plugs
redditburner_5000@reddit
You can bill CFI hours when you use it for training.
AGroAllDay@reddit
I mean, it’s a LSA at the end of the day (which is great), and it’s hours towards their logbooks. Literally the purpose of the program. What’s wrong with it?
Complex-Brief69@reddit
Everyone thinks hours are all that matter. Couldn’t be further from the truth.
If you don’t have the ability to actually fly the plane and don’t end up getting a flying job and learning the commercial side of the operations you will, I guarantee it, be less of a pilot.
See it all the time, people like that struggle through training.
Hand flying skills and working for a commercial operation is the reason you need the hours. It’s not a goal of build the hours it’s learn how to be a real pilot.
FlowerGeneral2576@reddit
Those hours aren’t as valuable from a learning and proficiency perspective as something else they could be doing.
AGroAllDay@reddit
I get it, and I agree. But a fool is born every second. If they want to burn off their money, it is theirs to burn
FlowerGeneral2576@reddit
You’re the one who asked what’s wrong with it
Apprehensive_Cost937@reddit
A great proof that hours in logbook don't equal experience.
Two pilots logging PIC in an aircraft, which large part of the world treats as ultralight/microlight. The jokes write themselves, really.
nickjohnson@reddit
Microlights are simpler from an automation and systems complexity point of view, but that doesn't mean they're easy to fly.
Flimsy-Ad-858@reddit
... It kinda does in this context if we're all being honest with each other.
Apprehensive_Cost937@reddit
It doesn't, but they definitely don't need two pilots to fly it straight and level in CAVOK weather.
Tony_Three_Pies@reddit
I'm surprised this survived the merger. Doesn't Republic have their own program?
DearKick@reddit
Lift students (republic) are now given the option to transfer into this program and purchase hours in the pipistrel. I dont remember the hourly rate for students but its quite expensive.
No-Brilliant9659@reddit
I saw a bunch leave at 0130 the other day, all flying the same route. Hilarious, but also sad and boring