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

Verified

[Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Mesa Airlines launched its Independent Pilot Development (IPD) program, offering a "pay as you go" model for aspiring pilots to efficiently build flight time.
The program charges $60 per hour for minimum 50-hour blocks, requires a commercial pilot certificate, and utilizes new, cost-effective Pipistrel Alpha 2 aircraft.
IPD provides participants with airline training materials, mentors, and a fast track to the 1,500 required flight hours, leading to a preferred interview with Mesa Airlines.
This initiative is Mesa's strategy to combat the severe pilot shortage currently impacting regional carriers.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.