135 to a Legacy
 

Was looking for everyone's opinion on this subject. Currently a RJ FO at awac and offered a job with a good 135 company. Do you think if I upgraded and became a check airman there I would be more likely to get a call from the big 4 the if I stayed? Has anyone gone from the 135 world to a legacy?

I'd advise staying where you are. You'll likely have to jump to an LCC or worse to get back on the radar of legacy hiring folks.

People certainly do jump from 135 and 91 to the legacies, but it's more common to go from regional to legacy. Risk/reward is lower where you are, I think.

I made it all 135 straight to a legacy. Not as common as a regional pilot but it does happen. There's also less of us. Keep in mind you still already have 121 time so that box is checked. New types and CKA look good for a resume.

Why leave the airlines at all? If you want to get to th big 4, why make a detour now????

I left 121 regional for 135 and left that for 142 sim instructor/check airman. Just got hired at Delta. The check airman box and experience is worth its weight in gold.

Before making the leap, I STRONGLY suggest you spend a few bucks at an airline interview prep company. Ask their opinion on going to 135, and more importantly, have them check over your apps.

This recent thread is pretty illuminating on the high percentage of pilot applications with errors: https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/d...lications.html

The first step to getting a job at a legacy is getting past the computer scoring of your application. If you've got a bunch of errors in your application, human eyeballs will probably never see it.

My two cents: right now it's a pilots market. I'd take any job that is better than your current one, especially if you would be happy there long term. You can always move up again, if you are given the opportunity. There are no guarantees in this business, so always try to position yourself as best you can before the music stops. I think being more well rounded will serve you better in an interview down the road.

Just think of how many regional pilots have apps in at the legacies, you need to set yourself apart from the pack in order to get a call. I think those who tell you to stay at a regional because legacy airlines prefer it are leading you astray. You have 121 time, pic and LCA time are a better addition to your resume than thousands more hours of the same thing you already have.

Now, if you have a flow up to American, forget what I just said and apply to the other legacies and wait for your number at AA.

I have been thinking of making the same move myself, recently.... Tired of the regional kool-aid and shenanigans; used to fly part 135 charter and it was much more fun. I would do it if it makes you happy. The 135 time will make you competitive in my opinion due to the customer service experience. Southwest and JetBlue take great interest in part 135 corporate, and I think both Delta and United have been known to hire corporate/charter pilots. You have part 121 time, so no worries there. There is a reason why the app asks whether you have part 121 and part 135 time. It looks better--but it most likely isn't the magic element for being hired if the candidate has black marks in other fields.

I figured I'd add in I already have about 2500 hours of 121 TPIC and will have a 4 year degree by September. Adding in that, and making a move with a new type rating and LCA experience at the 135 company (and volunteer work, both in the union and outside), would that move the needle enough to get a call? I know it a tough call but I don't know what else I can do?

Sounds like you have solid quals, probably won't make much difference if you are at a regional or 135. I'd go for the better job.