"Currently as a First Officer on the EMB-145 based out of Orlando, Florida I look back on the career and opportunity I have had with Mesa Air Group thus far. In 2002 I started as a Flight Attendant based in Phoenix, AZ.

August 2004 was a pivotal change in my life. After much support and encouragement from pilots at the airline who had been graduates of Mesa Pilot Development at San Juan College, I made the decision to leave for Farmington, NM and become a pilot.

I can honestly say my time in Farmington was always challenging and an adventure in the15 months starting with zero flight time on the Beech Bonanza! I was hired in December 2005 as a First Officer at 263 hours of flight time into the EMB-145 Regional Jet in the Delta Connection system!

The training I received at MPD was in my opinion thorough and well organized. The jet transition training and ground school was invaluable. Even though I was trained for the CRJ at MPD the knowledge learned in the classes and the jet sim was invaluable with my move into the ERJ. The ground school at Mesa Air Group and jet sim training was virtually identical with regards to the profiles, call outs, checklists, and procedures in a multi crew environment.

I currently holding a line in the EMB-145. I recommend the program to anyone who wants a fast paced option to get a career started in the airlines. Mesa Pilot Development and the staff at San Juan College have definitely delivered what they promised."

"I went to the Mesa Pilot Development at Arizona State University because I have always wanted to fly and went to high school locally in Phoenix! It seemed like a perfect match to learn to fly and still live where I grew up. The most important decision to me was to get my four year degree as well as a guaranteed interview with a very competitive regional airline, the decision was easy!

"Learning to fly at MPD gave me the greatest opportunity to jump start my airline career. With very dedicated flight instructors and professors, you have a close group of people that bond and form great friendships as you progress through training and onto your career.

"After graduating MPD, you are guaranteed an interview with Mesa Airlines, which normally skips many steps and gives you a chance to achieve an airline career with low hours. It always seemed like the perfect opportunity. During your senior year, the CRJ classes and full motion simulator prepare you incredibly for the interview and also what it will be like to fly for Mesa Airlines.

"The jump from the Baron and Bonanzas to the CRJ was very difficult, and students must be very dedicated as well as motivated. The flight instructors, professors, as well as other flight students were always there to help with questions and motivate me through flight training.

"Flying the CRJ now is amazing, and I am happy everyday when I arrive at the airport and sit down in the plane. The people and airline career is so amazing; I really can't imagine doing it any other way.

"Flying the line now and looking back at my career at MPD at ASU, there is no other way route I would have taken. I was so prepared and am so glad to be apart of the Mesa Airline family."