Part 135 or Part 121??

[pilotboy76]

Hey everyone. I am in a bit of a bind. Maybe someone could shed a little light for me.

I have a choice between flying for a reputable part 135 company, pushing Lear 35s and 60s, and working for a regional airline carrier, all jet and also very reputable.

Upgrade will be faster by 3 years or more at the 135 spot, and pay will also be better. Probably 45 hours a month.
These reasons have me leaning towards it as a first choice.

However, I do want to end up working for the majors in the future.

My question is, whether or not I would close any doors at the majors, by only having Part 91 and Part 135 time in my book?

Thank you in advance!

PB76

 

[iflyhigh]

Pilotboy76

Taking a flying job under Part 135 will not disqualify from flying for the airlines, but makes it a little more difficult.

When you say you want to work for the majors, it depends on which majors you are looking at. I have heard that SWA, ATA and JetBlue hire pilots from 135 regularly. If you are looking at UAL, AMR or DAL, down the road, it makes it a little more difficult. Its not impossible though. From my experience, their is typically only one or two pilots that flew only 135 in a class at the majors. Grant you most of the classes where half military and half civilian and most civilians fly Part 121.

If you are looking at Airtran, not a major yet, they will not even look at you unless you have 500 hours 121 PIC. We will not get into that discussion.

If you have recommendations at the airlines, than working under 135 or 121 will probably not make a difference.

So when you make the decision, it depends on which majors you are looking at. To sum it up, all majors will look at you, just might be a little more difficult.

iflyhigh

Flew 135 and was hired by a major.

 

[Swerpipe]

Really Depends on which Airline

I agree with the previous post. I started on Part 135 by a lucky chance with 550 hours. By the time I had 1500 hrs I upgraded to Captain. Now I have 3300 hrs with 1800 PIC turbine and 300 PIC jet. I would never have this type of experience in the Part 121 World. I have been exposed to a lot of different types of flying and customers flying in the USA, Canada and Mexico. If I wanted to go to Airtran I would be hosed since they do not consider Part 135 flying. But there are majors like SWA that will not consider a 12000 hour pilot with 500 PIC turbine but will consider me. Recommendations and connections are also extremely important. I do not regret my decision even for one second. Our flying can be very challenging and rewarding. Good luck with your decision.

 

[pilotyip]

Get turbine PIC

Go for the 135 job and get your turbine PIC as quickly as possible, without that you are a non-player in the hiring field. Friend of mind, 45 yrs. old, USAways for 15 years, 11K total hours, could not a apply at many carriers, why? He only had 500 hr turbine PIC, 7,500 121 SIC, anyone can be a SIC, you need PIC and go for that first.

 

[SWA/FO]

PIC baby!! I got mine at a 135 operator and had no problem getting interviews with US Airways, TWA, FEDEX, Air Tran and SWA.

Sometimes things just work out. I know a few folks that were flying heavy metal for UAL that don't even qualify to apply here at SWA, since they do not meet the PIC min.

 

[pilotboy76]

Thank you!

Thanks Everyone!

I appreciate the input. It seems the 135 PIC is the way to go.
It will be a quicker upgrade by at least 3 years then the regional I had in mind, and it will be better pay.

See you around!

PB76

 

[NYRANGERS]

I would recommend the 121 job. You will meet and fly with many more pilots who go on to Majors at a 121 job than you will at a 135 operator (because of numbers). It's all about who you know. You will be able to get recommedations from pilots that have flown with you in a 121 environment and you will fly with many different pilots.

Ironically I now fly for a 135 operator and I am making many connections in the corporate world. It's good to have your bases covered. However all my connections I meet that helped me get my job at Delta were from 121 flying and College.

Regards,

NYR

I forgot to mention, the pilot who helped me get hired at my 135 job.........I met at Delta.