135 Cargo or 121 Regional?

[Ralgha]

I'm sending out resumes, and want a bit of feedback on whether to go the 135 cargo route that would be single-pilot multi-engine IFR, or to do go with a regional.

I'm sending resumes to both, but on the chance that I get offers from both 135 and regionals, I'm looking for some opinions on the pros and cons related to each other.

Thanks!

 

[pilotyip]

Pic

Go for the PIC, it will open more doors, make your resume look better. That is if you have choice. If no choice take the first job offered. If you take the PIC job, you may find you have an easier time getting the regional job down the road. Too much SIC time on your resume may limit job offers later. PIC is what employers look for.

 

[Rhoid]

Go for the PIC, it will open more doors, make your resume look better. That is if you have choice. If no choice take the first job offered. If you take the PIC job, you may find you have an easier time getting the regional job down the road. Too much SIC time on your resume may limit job offers later. PIC is what employers look for.

Hey Randy, will USAJet hire me so I can get the PIC time so I can get on with a major and make over $100K a year?
I have no college degree either.

 

[pilotyip]

Little low on time

Keep building that time, when you approach 2000TT and 1000 MEL you are in the competitive range. Job offers go to Detroit area residents first, so you must move to the Detroit area if you accept the job offer.

 

[TurboS7]

PIC cargo hands down.The secret in this industry is to spend as little time in the right seat as possible. Always go for the left seat.

 

[Big Duke Six]

Yes, I'd have to jump on the bandwagon and recommend the 135 job first. If they have turbine equipment, then so much the better. PIC Turbine time is where it's at. If they have them, to get into their turbine equipment ASAP, even if it means taking over a crappy route to do it.

As an aside, you'll also probably make better money flying freight, at least for the first few years. There are several operators out there where you can make 40-60K after two years or so.

Ultimately, the goal here would be to skip the regionals. But if you find yourself (in two or three years) unable to do so, at least you'll have the PIC time firmly under your belt, and will be better prepared to become a Captain at said regional than if you had gone to the regional right now and flew in the right seat.

That may sound funny to some, but I do believe that there is nothing that will prepare you better to be a Captain than being a Captain. Airlines hire Captains and one of the best ways, IMHO, to show them that you have "Captain Qualities" is to prove yourself in a 135 environment. Conversely, some believe there is a lot to be said for getting time in a "crew" environment, but unless you're a total @ss, you shouldn't have any problems when the time comes for that.

 

[bobbysamd]

135 v. 121

I would agree with the single-pilot 135 job. Multi PIC is the name of the game, especially if you will gain IFR experience.

Under Part 121, you will start as an FO, which is fine, but not PIC. You will look far stronger overall when it's time to climb the next rung if you have good PIC time in scheduled operations.