MOGuy

Most of us have the qualifications for the Majors...getting them to call requires some kind of wizardry most of us don't posess.

GreenBanana

I am roughly in the same boat as you with similar sentiment, River.

It would seem the flight and customer service experience in 135/frac flying would be highly valuable. It is a broader skill set which demands much of the crew. Personally, I am a little mystified as to why 135/frac experience is not more highly regarded.

However, the few recruiters at the bigs I have talked to say something to the effect of 'get a year or so 121 and apply again'. Then, you have all the people on here saying you need 121 time, period. On the other hand, I know people who went only 135 (some w/o even PIC) get picked up at SWA, Alaska and Virgin. It is all clear as mud.

Fwiw, the only advice I have heard that kinda cuts through the fog: "Your experience, resume and personal story should all exude a drive and desire to improve yourself consistently over time. Demonstrate that you really want it." Make of it what you will.

I enjoy 135 flying. I have contemplated the option of going to Gama or XOJ and busting butt my way to LCA (hoping the chips fall in my favor). But, I can't get past my concern that lack of 121 may haunt me or slow progress. So, I am going the regional road. Planning to hustle and network. Aim to have a good time. Shoot to get into training department or safety or recruiting. Hopefully, I will make it to the bigs sooner than later.

I'd be curious to hear opposing views or any views in favor. In any case, good luck to you...

FlyingDawgg

I know people who go to SWA/Spirit from fractional companies and Part 135 ops with none or little 121 time. It's possible.

tm602

One of our NJA guys got hired at SWA with no TPIC and no 737 type. Yes he was white.

BuckeyeFO

went to SWA from NJA with no 737 type.

Pilots from random corporate/135 job can be viewed as a risky hire. What type of training, CRM, experience did they have?

At least NJA is a known entity in the industry. Unfortunately, your resume isn't really improving with an additional 400 hours of Phenom SIC a year so you are (on paper) just about as marketable from year 2 to year 15.

If you can get past the computer, it seems like hiring boards are impressed with the diversity of flying and strong customer service background. But getting to being in front of a live person is easier said than done.

Tbpilot06

That is the truth. It’s a lottery basically. Unless I’m missing something but with 8K TT, 1900 TPIC, MBA, former 135 CP and DO, 5 types, clean record..... can’t get any response from majors + fed ex , ups. Figured I might be at least competitive for an interview but not yet.

G550Guy

Have you tried a job fair? It worked for me back in 2016. Brown has hired many straight corporate pilots in the past 2 years.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tm602

I can't say for sure but I think it was a GV SIC.

Macjet

It's because they're the worst pilots and they have the highest failure rates of any demographic of pilot hired at an airline. Period.

The 91/135 world is a wildcat arena that lacks standardization, SOP's, or any real training. The biggest challenge at FlightSafety, SIMCOM, or CAE is getting your check to clear.

Take it from a former 91, 135, 91K, and sim instructor who did manage to get to an airline when I tell you that that hurdle is higher for non-121 applicants and you're far behind your 121 regional peers. It will be harder for you to get hired and you'll struggle in training. It isn't impossible but it is far more difficult.

If you want to work for an airline then go to work for an airline.

727C47

I came to Netjets from a 121 background, 727’s at Champion,and during the furlough I was 121 at K4, I think the training at FSI is far from a joke, it’s good training, and apparently UPS, FEDEX, DAL, SWA top tier airlines, think Pt 135 as embodied at NJA is a pretty good thing too because that’s where a steady stream of our guys and girls are going to, the top tier. If a major is your end goal though a saner path is definitely through the regionals. Cheers , out.