I don't believe that's even legally possible. Granted I meet all the requirements for CA upgrade so I'm not counting pennies here but don't you still need 2500hrs to hold the ATP and be CA for any 121 operator?

1500 you mean?

Outlaw is correct.

Yea, it's 1500 total, plus the other time reqs like XC time, 250 pic min (of which you can use some SIC time toward) etc. Most crews are getting about 100 plus hours a month, and close to the 1200 per year (part 135 rules) so it does seem like 10-14 months is accurate.

Overall, I've enjoyed my 5 years. 3/4 of it has been in the training dept, so pay isn't as bad. The flying is fun, the machines are tanks (when they're not broke), and your instrument proficiency and knowledge will excel.
Sounds like you may have an idea for extra income, so nice job on looking at all of your options. Good luck in your decision.

This is very true. At my station alone, there are 4 pilots including myself that are working customer service (ramp/gate/counter) with intentions of switching to the flight side in the not too distant future. Makes it super easy to network with those that could have some pull in getting an interview/hired.

(also, a seemingly little known fact is that you will be paid during training if you are already a ZK employee. i.e. customer service agent to pilot. 40hrs of pay/week at whatever your wage was, I *believe*)

Is Great Lakes not 121?

Lakes is 121, however operators with 19 or less seats may use 135 flight time regulations.

Exactly. Because of this exemption, Lakers can fly up to 120 hours a month, and some do.

Lakes was my first airline. From what I hear, not much has changed in the last 8 years.

Lakes was a lot of fun. The crews were great, the flying was challenging, and management treated us like dirt. That really pulls the employees together. You will be flying a B1900 in the mountains with no autopilot. Training has always been excessively (and needlessly) difficult compared to similar carriers, and at least when I was there, the instructors were more like drill sergeants than instructors. Maybe that's changed. Regardless, you will fly your butt off, upgrade quick, and hopefully get your butt out.

One thing of note, many jet regionals like ASA have minimums similar to Lakes. ASA may suck, but it's still better in a CRJ at 350 than playing flight attendant in a B1900 with 10 deferrals and no autopilot. Oh and our FO pay is more than Lakes Captain pay.

Isn't it for operators under 30 seats or 30,000 pounds or something like that? I know over here our Brasilia pilots are allowed to use 135 rules.