Mesa Airlines Pilot Cadet — Pilot Development Program (Aircraft Assigned by Seniority)

Launch your airline career with Mesa Pilot Development

Build time quickly, safely, and cost-effectively to reach ATP minimums, then transition to a First Officer role at Mesa Airlines. Our innovative cadet pathway pairs affordable time-building with a 0% interest loan (subject to approved credit), repaid via payroll deduction after you onboard as a First Officer. Aircraft hours are subject to availability. Training is NTR (no type rating required; training provided upon employment).

Employment: Permanent
Program: Mesa Pilot Development (MPD) — NTR
Location: GEU — Glendale, Arizona (primary flying location)
Licenses: FAA CPL + IR + ME
Medical: Class 1
Visa Sponsorship: Not provided (must have legal right to work in the U.S.)
Aircraft Assignment: By seniority upon transition to Mesa Airlines

✈️ About the opportunity

We’re dedicated to helping aviators achieve their dream of becoming commercial airline pilots as quickly, safely, and inexpensively as possible. Achieving ATP minimums is one of the biggest hurdles—our Mesa Pilot Development (MPD) program bridges that gap so you can build time efficiently and step into the right seat faster than you thought possible.

Note: Aircraft hours are subject to availability.

🧭 How the program works

Build flight time cost-effectively at our Glendale, AZ location (GEU).
Access a 0% interest loan (approved credit required) to support time-building.
After you complete 1,500 hours and onboard at Mesa Airlines as a First Officer, your loan is repaid via payroll deduction from your FO paycheck.
Be prepared to transition to employment with Mesa Airlines upon receipt of a class date.
Meet all Company minimum requirements to be a First Officer pilot (requirements may be updated at the Company’s sole discretion).

Repayment: Begins only after you’ve completed 1,500 hours and onboarded at Mesa as a First Officer; repayments are payroll-deducted.

🌟 What you’ll gain

A clear, accelerated pathway to the right seat at a U.S. regional airline.
Structured, professional time-building with mentorship and support.
No type rating required—airline training provided upon employment.
Aircraft assignments determined by seniority when you join Mesa Airlines.

🧰 Minimum qualifications

FAA CPL with IR and ME privileges
Multi-engine time: 25 hours (minimum)
Current Class 1 Medical
High school diploma or equivalent
Ability to read and speak the English language
Current valid passport and legal ability to work in the U.S.
Able to pass a security background check and FAA-mandated drug test
Ability to relocate as needed
Type rating: Not required (training provided)
Visa sponsorship is not provided

🔎 Selection & compliance

Candidates must meet all standard Company pilot new-hire screenings to the Company’s satisfaction, including criminal history background.
MPD Cadets are expected to transition to Mesa Airlines upon receipt of a class date and must meet First Officer minimums at time of hire.

📍 Where you’ll fly

Cadets fly out of the program’s current location at Glendale Municipal Airport (GEU) in Glendale, Arizona.

📨 Ready to apply?

If you meet the qualifications and are ready to fast-track your airline career, submit your application to be considered for the Mesa Pilot Development cadet cohort. Shortlisted candidates will receive next steps and screening details.

Apply Now Open the PASS assessment preparation

Mesa Airlines