ComingInHot

Hi all,

Prior to COVID I had a class date lined up for one of the part 121 regional carriers with all my ATP hour requirements (1500) complete.

My ultimate goal is to fly for the airlines but since it may be a while until they start hiring again I was wondering if it may be a good idea to apply for a part 135 operator for the time being.
I am currently instructing and would not mind doing that for another year if that is what it takes.

The reason I am asking is because many of the 135 places have training contracts of 12 or 18 months and if the 121 world recovers faster than expected I would be locked in for some time. On the other hand 135 experience is going to be much more valuable than instructing.

I am just trying to get some perspective from some more experienced guys that have been through this cycle before.

As always thank you for all your help!

tanker

If your class date with the 121 regional has been cancelled I would definitely look into getting a 91K or 135 job. It’s going to be longer than a year before the majors start hiring therefore it will be longer than that for the regionals. If you still have a class date then take it as you will get a seniority number.

deftone

Slightly different position, but Im bailing from my CFI gig to go fly jumpers for the summer. I figure the race to 1500 isnt that important right now, and I havnt been enjoying CFI, its just not clicking for me, so why not go have some fun flying for the summer and rejuvenate enjoyment for aviation.

Otterbox

Take the first class date with the best job you can get at the time. Turbine prop/Jet experience will help make you more competitive in the long run.

Crockrocket95

Ya know, I would take the job if it could get you good experience. If the contract is a year, and you score a regional interview in the next 6 months, worst case scenario is you may have to repay the training contract if you leave early. So I would set aside a little money in case that happens. But as of right now all signs are pointing the regionals not doing any major hiring in the next few months so if you could somehow score a 91/135 job I would move on that. If you're still there in 1.5 years and regionals haven't hired then you made a good call. If the regionals do hire, then you'll have that decision to make once you come across those crossroads.

TiredSoul

Diversify your expense even if it’s a job or type of flying which is not high on your list of likes.
The current situation shows how rapidly the market can change and one day you may have to fall back on that experience again to get your foot in the door.

galaxy flyer

With 1500 hours in today’s market, you’re not walking into a 91, 91K, or 135 job, either.

ComanchePilot

Every regional airline will have to furlough off 20-40% of its pilots. They will lay off only as many as they need to in order to be rightsized for summer/fall 2021. Assuming need picks up in fall 2021, they are required to offer those pilot positions to the hundreds of furloughed pilots first, before they hire anyone new. They literally will not be interviewing or hiring until ever last furloughed pilot has been offered a job again. Take whatever 135 job you can. Take one with jet time over turboprop time; and turboprop over piston. But take one that you're willing to stay at for 3 years.

As a soon to be furloughed regional FO, I will be competing with you for those 135 jobs. Your objective should be to get hired before October 1, since that's when we will be hitting the streets.