Mesa seeks to streamline pilot training with ‘pay-as-you-go’ programme

US regional carrier Mesa Airlines launched on 9 October a “pay-as-you-go” pilot-training programme built around the company’s recently acquired Pipistrel Alpha 2 light aircraft. The Phoenix-based carrier’s Independent Pilot Development programme is designed to accelerate cadets’ progress toward 1,500h of flight time, which is the Federal Aviation Administration-mandated minimum – with some exceptions – for commercial pilots. “This programme is not only a time-building programme but also a career development opportunity that prepares pilots for the challenges and rewards of flying for an airline,” says Mesa’s CE Jonathan Ornstein. Cadets are required to purchase at least 50-hour blocks at $60 hourly and fly a monthly minimum of 25h. In September 2022, Mesa announced plans to acquire 29 Pipistrel Alpha 2 aircraft, with options to buy up to 75 more. The light aircraft will serve as the backbone of its new pilot-training programme. “The Alpha 2 includes advanced features such as dual flight controls, state-of-the-art Garmin instrument panel, Rotax 912 80hp engine, quiet spacious cockpit, autopilot and a ballistic parachute rescue system,” Mesa says. North American airlines are increasingly seeking new strategies to develop and retain pilots amid the industry-wide shortage of qualified flight-deck crews, which affects regional carriers most severely. <br/>