135 -->121
 

To this point in my career I have been a 135 guy. I love what I do but with 30+ years left until retirement I've started to wonder if I'm not better off making the jump to the 121 world. At this point, the question to me is "how do I get there?"

Are the legacy 121 carriers taking guys with a 135 background (all light jet) at this point or is all the hiring from the military and lower tier 121 operations still? What about the non-legacy carriers? Is it possible to get into 121 without having to go through the regionals?

Thanks.

Right now...

Multiple LORs, 1000+ TPIC jet/glass, 135 check airman/CP experience....or very well connected.

A few years from now maybe just 1000TPIC, although I think jet may also be required for certain airlines since there are so many RJ's out there.

Seems like military and 121 for the most part at this time. They are still working through a backlog of highly qualified military and regional IPs, check-airmen, etc.

Right now much better odds at the national, non-legacy carriers but many prefer/require jet time. I would think you could get on somewhere if you're within their competitive ballpark.

Thanks for the response. I have a couple thousand hours in jets and over 1000 TPIC if they count turboprop time (close to 1000 if they only count jet). On paper I meet the requirements for most carriers with the exception of any requirements for 121 time or time in aircraft over a certain weight but I realize that's not the competitive minimums.

I feel your pain I went from a CA at a really bad regional to a CA for a nice 135 op and now I am back at a 121, but its a much better company this time around

I'm in the same boat, I have been a 135 guy "for life" but just interviewed at JB...so I'm considering the move, problem is first year pay is actually a pay cut for me. Also, I am really interested in working for a corporate flight department one day and I'm not sure if the 121 time will kill those chances.

go with your gut and pull the trigger, you will learn the consequences in about 10yrs:). Pay cut for me too, but after being on both sides I am glad to be back on 121 side of things. 135 was not my cup of tea

All I did was part 135 light jet before leaving that world at the end of last year to go to the 121 world. I never had to go to the regionals, so its possible. I took a pretty good pay cut though. I think the long term results are going to be better than in the 135 world, (pay, time off, and retirement). For some time I thought about going to the regionals but I didnt want to handcuff my self with that pay. I was fortunate enough to get hired by a carrier that I was interested in and will be home based. QOL is most important to me. I also have 30+ years until 65 and I feel like that was the best move to make for myself. good luck!