135 PIC or 121 PIC

[Captain Morgan]

Hey guys, I'm looking to eventually go into the big cargo arena and I'm at a crossroads right now. I want to know if 135 PIC in a King Air is as competitive as 121 PIC time in a Saab or other turboprop. Thanks.

 

[767pilot]

Hey guys, I'm looking to eventually go into the big cargo arena and I'm at a crossroads right now. I want to know if 135 PIC in a King Air is as competitive as 121 PIC time in a Saab or other turboprop. Thanks.

As my wife likes to remind me, bigger is better

 

[Fedora]

I don't think the operating rules make much of a difference to an employer. I don't know if the 135 rules allow you to log PIC time in the right seat, but you can't under 121 unless you are signing for the aircraft, so that might make a difference to you in building PIC time.
All turbine time is not the same, however. The difference between turboprop and turbojet time can make the difference in getting hired.
If you take your PIC time in a King Air or Saab up against someone who's been flying RJ's or Gulfstreams, you'll be at a disadvantage.
Bigger IS better, and so is faster and higher.
All that being said, 3000 TT or better and 1500 PIC turbine will probably get you a job somewhere. Try to get the jet time for the big boys, though. Just my thoughts as a former CP.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Thanks for the input. I currently have about 825 hours in an RJ as SIC. This King Air position is for a captain position, so I would be acting as PIC. I don't know if this bit of info makes a difference in the advice.

 

[OzBushWhacker]

How far do you think you are from upgrade?

 

[Captain Morgan]

Upgrade in the Saab would be about a year. Upgrade in the King Air is immediate. I think that's what you are referring to? I'm no longer in the 121 world either, because I left for a 91 gig.

 

[OzBushWhacker]

Referred to upgrade time, thinking you were still in the RJ. I guess the common logic is that you don't turn down an upgrade, meaning to stick it out for a while longer if you were an SIC.

SINCE you've left part 121, i personally would grab the King Air job and enjoy some cash and QOL. You can always direct capt somewhere with some pic time if you really want that 121 PIC time. It won't be pretty but can be done at the colgans, etc.

My feelings are that alot of the competition at the Major cargo places are from high-time 121 supplemental guys with international experience in wide bodies. And by that its just experience not PIC.

I wouln't be too worried bout it, youu've ticked the 121 tick on the application already, do which one which will make you happier!

 

[Captain Morgan]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking too. Now the only things I need are my ATP and some PIC turbine. Thanks for the input.

 

[greygoose]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking too. Now the only things I need are my ATP and some PIC turbine. Thanks for the input.

Why didnt you stick around ANS a little longer, and get all this in the lear?

 

[pilotyip]

Go for the 121 time, employers know you have been trained to a standard if you are flying 121. 135 training can range from as good as 121 to non-existent. Not all PIC was created equal.