Mesa Airlines Launches New Time Building Program for Aspiring Pilots

Mesa Airlines unveiled its new Independent Pilot Development (IPD) program on October 9—offering aspiring pilots a more streamlined approach to building flight time.

Amelia Walsh

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 02:52 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Mesa Airlines launched its Independent Pilot Development (IPD) program, a "pay as you go" initiative for aspiring pilots to build flight time.
The program requires pilots with commercial certificates and instrument ratings to purchase 50-hour blocks at $60 per hour, utilizing new Pipistrel Alpha 2 aircraft for accelerated time building.
IPD offers participants airline training materials, mentorship, and a direct path to accumulating the 1,500 required flight hours, leading to a preferred interview with Mesa Airlines.
This program is designed to address the significant pilot shortage faced by regional carriers, providing a streamlined and affordable method to accelerate pilot recruitment and retention.

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Regional carrier Mesa Airlines unveiled its new Independent Pilot Development (IPD) program on October 9—offering aspiring pilots a more streamlined approach to building flight time.

Mesa’s “pay as you go” program requires pilots to purchase a minimum of 50-hour blocks at $60 an hour, which includes fuel and is based on a two-pilot flight deck occupancy. According to the airline, the program is offered to pilots who have obtained their commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating.