Originally Posted by ZippyNH (Post 2736384)

The purpose of systems knowledge beyond just being able to reset a breaker is to understand the possible failure modes, and to give you the ability to speak with MX about EXACTLY what is happening, so the problem can be fixed the FIRST time....
Sometimes an incorrect indication is more dangerous than a system not working, and knowing a system and what can happen when it fails is important.
A simple, it doesn't work write-up is ok, but to understand the system in enough detail to have a discussion about it with a mechanic is invaluable in getting the item fixed, and back in service.
Additionally, a deeper understanding of a particular system will give you more insight into how it MAY interact with different systems....
Under 135, you may not have a mechanic at every stop, and on some routes, it possible to go 5 stops before going to a base with a company mechanic.... knowing the airplanes systems in detail so you can pass the correct info to mx control to get a part and a mechanics enroute in an AOG situation while on a scheduled route is very important.
135 is NOT just sit down, strap in and fly job like 121...that's why some people LIKE 135...There is judgement involved...it's not flying with a yes/no flowchart.
It's going out, and as the the previous posters have shown, running numbers, doing charts, math, weather, flight plans, etc, with some help from dispatch, but understanding they don't DO IT FOR YOU LIKE 121.
You are often showing up at an FBO, with a suitcase and a "mission", then figuring out how to accomplish the trip safely. It may include getting a plane hangered or DEICED, fueled, limiting cargo weight if needed, loading, etc....
It's hands on... flying is just ONE of your duties.
Yes, you do have support of a company, dispatch, and previous captains on the route, but it not JUST FLYING.

Originally Posted by Part135Flyer (Post 2736055)

I completed six weeks of training with Ameriflight (AMF) and would like to pass along some information regarding that training. I want to start by saying that I am not one to criticize one way or the other the manner in which their ground training was conducted. All I desire to do is to pass along what I experienced, some suggestions for improvement that I would have liked to have seen that would have made my experience more fruitful, and wish you the best of luck if you get hired and are to be trained in the same aircraft as I was (the EMB-120 Brasilia). I heard from other students that training in the other types of aircraft in the fleet was handled differently, so I do not have any information regarding that.

Originally Posted by SteveBunch (Post 2740065)

Are the AMF training contracts for everyone or just for the lower time pilots that don't meet the minimums? WOuld a 1500 hour pilot who meets all requirements stil have to signa TC?

Originally Posted by SteveBunch (Post 2740495)

Do you pay referral bonuses? Someone in a FB group gave me some helpful info on AMF so I want to be referred by him if I apply.

Originally Posted by SteveBunch (Post 2740491)

Thanks. Do you expect any openings in BUR in the next several months? ONT is doable but twice the commute in LA traffic. I think I read you only do the home based captain if a candidate lives too far from a base, is that correct? If not, 2 weeks on, 1 week off would be fine.