Answer:
It depends. The term "135" can mean anything from a stripped-down LRJet flying checks to a Falcon 900 on its way across the pond . . . .
I flew for a 91 company that put our Westwind on the certificate of a large Part 135 operator (first Business Jet Solutions, and, later, TAG AViation). I liked most things about it, including:
1) Went from Simuflite/FSI training once per year to twice per year
2) More standardization and training
3) More restrictive work rules
4) More verifiable flight time and training (I wanted to end up at an airline, which I did).
5) After 3 years as a 135 pilot, you could become a 135 CP if necessary
6) On a large 135 company's certificate, you could find a better position open, and have a leg up on the competition, since you are already on the same certificate
7) Some airlines will let 135 pilots jumpseat (AirTran and ASA, for starters)
8) I negotiated extra pay for 135 flight hours, and for 135 overnights, so I actually made an additional $3-5,000 per year.
The negatives:
1) Charter flights are usually the first and last time you'll see a customer, so it was more stressfull- trying to guess if they would be early or late, arrive with a gazillion bags or not, whether the itinerary was accurate or had changed without your knowlege, etc., definitely more stressful than dealing with your established passengers.
2) We had to do an annual Line Check with our FSDO, since our 135 certificate holder did not have a Check Airman for the "Bagel Bomber".
3) Extra time away from home.
Overall, though, the 135 training was helpful when I got to a 121 carrier.
Good Luck!
