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 to offer aspiring pilots a streamlined and affordable way to build flight time.
The "pay as you go" program allows pilots with commercial and instrument ratings to purchase 50-hour blocks at $60/hour, flying new Pipistrel Alpha 2 aircraft.
IPD offers rapid flight time accumulation (up to 8 hours daily), airline-specific training, and mentorship to help pilots reach the 1,500-hour ATP requirement.
Upon completion, pilots receive a preferred interview with Mesa, addressing the regional airline industry's persistent pilot shortage.

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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.