Originally Posted by
swaayze
Agree that you will probably be better off trying part 135 (SIC doesn't require 1200TT) or preferrably part 91 flying. You may be a bit late to the regional game unless the age 65 takes effect within a year or so (which is a possibility but not a probability). I'd imagine you'd enjoy a part 91 job most but a decent 135 job could be fun as well. I don't think you'd enjoy being a junior reserve pilot at a regional, it's a lot of hassle and downside for the upside of flying (that you seem to be able to afford privately) and 70-100 hours of flying each month is too much if you're just out to enjoy yourself.
I'd not worry about an ATP, that's a-ways off anyway. Go to a quickie Comm-MEL school where you can get max multi and your ticket asap, then add the CFIIME if you can't network into something right off the bat. Use your social skills and network starting today. There are decent jobs out there for resourceful, connected low-timers with enthusiasm.
Good luck!
I agree with the above. Go to the quickie school to get your comm/mel. Use the time there to network and to get that foot-in-the-door at a regional.
Part 135 flying isn't as easy to step into as 121 (my opinion ... no flames necessary). Part 135 companies, for the most part, aren't setting up job fairs around the country or touring flight schools looking for FOs.
Anyway, Part 135 is alot like GA on steroids and is not necessarily as glamerous as 121. I fly in and out of different airports (often times very small ones) dodging Cessna 172s and the weather every day. I don't get to go to the big terminal where small children and soccer moms admire my uniform either.
I spend the day pacing the floor of the fbo waiting on my pax to come back from meetings and there are no FAs to chat with. Although, I have seen a couple of nice-looking lady NetJet FOs at CRW. All things considered, I love to fly!
I say .. Go for it and no time like the present!
