Kenny Powers

OK, here's the scenario...

27 years old, current Part 135 light jet captain. Around 3000 TT, with 800 TPIC. I have pure 91/135 experience, with a stint at a Part 135 scheduled passenger carrier.

My current gig offers great pay and benefits, however QOL is poor and I'm looking at the bigger picture, long-term outlook, i.e., having a predictable schedule (this is HUGE for me). Having 13 "hard" days off a quarter just isn't going to do it in the future, especially if I'd like to settle down in the next 5 years.

I'm willing to take a financial hit short-term in hopes to better myself long-term.

What are the odds of someone with my experience getting a shot at United, Delta, SWA, etc. It seems like the market is saturated with current 121 regional, 121 ACMI, and 121 national guys that are just chomping at the bit, probably far more qualified (at least on paper, you can teach a monkey to fly right? ) for those coveted jobs than myself.

How do I make myself stand-out? Make a move to one of said carriers above? I feel like I'd be giving up valuable jet PIC, however.

The only silver-lining is a former boss of mine/current mentor is a retired Delta CP who still has ties with the company. He has told me once hiring starts, he's pretty sure he can get me an interview. It seems hard to believe, but I also don't want to put all my eggs in one basket.

I feel like I can make a good impression on the interview team, the trick is just getting called.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

desmo33

I made the jump from 135 to SWA in the most recent round of hiring, so it can be done. Actually, my class had at least 4 guys with business aviation backgrounds.

I highly recommend that you take on any additional responsibilities that you can, such as instructor, check airman, chief pilot, or D.O. I held all of those positions in my 5 years at that company and I'm sure that helped a lot. Also, fly as much as you can, especially those TPIC trips; it's hard to build time in most 135 operations, so don't pass up the chance because your 121 competition racks up flight time like it's water. And network your butt off. Lots of airline pilots still own GA airplanes, so you never know who's sitting next to you at the FBO.

Stay focused on your goal and don't get too comfortable at any of the intermediate steps. Keep moving forward. Consider getting some 121 experience to round out your resume (I spent some time at ASA but never upgraded), but not before you get at least 1000-1500 TPIC. It's worth waiting for that, because it will prevent certain doors from immediately being closed.

Good luck.

rickair7777

The DAL connection is nice, but of course you cannot rely on that. Work every other connection you can find.

Get 1000 TPIC and start apply (do not consider leaving until you have 1500 TPIC).

You might consider a regional, but only as a last resort. The 121 time might help, but it will be a big pay cut and I'm not if 121 jet SIC is better than 135 jet PIC.

SewerPipeDvr

Little different point of view. Your TPIC time is low for total hours. Do you have your ATP? I would get that out of the way and apply to a regional. If the fabled shortage comes up in December (age 65 rule) movement will start from the regionals first. Getting that 121 time will make you much more competitive to a major. That is where the majority of your competition will be from. That is where your time goes up really fast. Just my two cents

Thedude

Not really, alot of places require you to have 2000 before you can upgrade. 3000 TT and 800-1000 TPIC is normal

If he is flying any kind of jet as Capt, he has to have an ATP.

There are alot more places that just the "regionals"
I would consider, with the OPs time, a look at the non skeds, freighters and the second and third tier carriers before I would go to the commuters.

I agree with the other posters.
Get your 1000 TPIC before you leave.
Start applying now and by the time you get a job elsewhere you should have the magic number.
I have been in the same spot as you.