Flight training in New Mexico began with Mesa in 1989. A Farmington resident, Larry Risley, founder and owner of Mesa Airlines, approached San Juan College about training pilots from the beginning with private flight training, through instrument and commercial multi-engine certificates with approximately 230 to 250 hours total flight time. Larry promised that if pilots would complete the flight training and meet the College's requirements, he would guarantee interviews and hire the pilots if they successfully completed the interview. Eighteen years later, Mesa still honors that promise. Over 1,700 graduates have experienced the Mesa Advantage after completing their flight training with Mesa Pilot Development at San Juan College.

Our sole purpose is train pilots as first officers for Mesa. Complete the program with at least a 3.0 gpa and you are guaranteed the interview for a first officer position. Placement with the company typically exceeds 94% over our years of training. Instructor ratings are not a part of the curriculum. Most of our flight instructors come from professional flight schools with an average of 500 dual given and real experience.

We offer two flight training options at San Juan College in a semester format. In the Primary Program, which is a 17-month program, you will complete your private license, instrument, and commercial single-engine certificate in the A36 Bonanza for the first three semesters and then move the multi-engine certificate with a commercial add-on in the B58 Baron. This program includes general education requirements that can transfer in if you have previous college credit. You will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Technology.

In the PACE (Professional Airline Career Enhancement) Program, you will fly the Baron and attend ground schools with fourth semester Primary students for CRJ systems and advanced instrument training. You won’t build flight time but rather work with Mesa’s checklists and callouts. This program requires at least a commercial/instrument certificate and 200 hours total time.

Both programs include 40 hours in the Jet Flight Training Device (FTD) because after all, Mesa Air Group flies jets – CRJ200s, 700s, and 900s as well as ERJ-145s!

**Air Transport World