Ok, here it is. I have the option of starting out with a growing 135 operation or getting on with a regional(both nameless). I have low time and both fly pretty nice aircrafts. Naturally, I would lean towards the one paying the most but aside from that, any advise? I figured, T-props would be a good way to build time but if I can get on with an airline why not? Any advise is appreciated but please, let's try not to (for some it may be a little difficult) turn this into a "death to the low time bandits for not teaching". It's a different time, a different era, and different opportunities. Thanks in advance guys and gals and undecided.

 

Honestly ...for the near term I would choose the one with the best quality of life . UNLESS, the pay is just out of wack between the two. What is QOL you ask,,,,,, its different for everybody you need to think about whats important to you taking into consideration the state of the industry today.

 

Just imagine what life would be like if you were stuck at either one for the LONG term.

Then choose...........

 

I would go to the 135 T-Prop operation if you have an offer and it is a decent place to work. Since you are low time, build your time there and see what happens with the 121 world over the next months/year. BTW, what kind of A/C do they fly? I presume that you don't meet the 135 IFR PIC requirements. Make sure that the A/C and the op specs require two pilots so that you can log the turbine SIC time. If its a decent operation and you've done your research about it, I'd be more inclined to go down that road. Its a risky time to be at the bottom of the seniority list of any regional airline right now...

If later you still want to get into 121 and the regionals are hiring, you would be in a good position because you would no longer be "low" time and would have turbine experience.

Pinnacle is one of the few regional still hiring today. Is that where you're thinking of? I would go to the 135 operation for now. I've said before that I would not come to Pinnacle at the moment however if we get a new contract, it will be a much better place to work and has a good shot at surviving the Northwest-Delta merger. If we get a new contract and things are looking good, you can always interview here when that happens.

If you've already interviewed with Pinnacle and been offered a class date, my advice is to go to the 135 operation but try to push back the Pinnacle class date as far as possible so you don't have to turn it down. That way if we get some good news sometime soon, you still have the door open to you.

Good luck.

 

Another vote for 135. Get some interesting experience under your belt, learn how to fly a real plane, and then join the 121 world when the dust settles...You have all the time in the world to fly a Jet...fly a real plane while you still can!!

 

There are so many variables that it really depends on the two companies in question and your personal situation.

Which company is more likely to be stable in the storm ahead?

Does the 135 operation have a business model which is immune to fuel costs (air ambulance, military, etc)?

What is the schedule at the 135 op? What kind of lifestyle do you want?

You will likely be on reserve for a while at most regionals.

If you have a family, look at the safety record (and your gut feeling) of the 135 op. Despite all of the bad things about regionals, they usually return you home alive at the end of your trip.

Here's a thought...do both! Take the regional job, get trained, get furloughed, and THEN do the 135 gig If you like the regional better, accept the recall, if not...stay put.

 

Heck yeah rickair! Get that seniority number and look for a furlough...sounds backwards, but it guarantees that you're at the head of the pack once hiring does pick up again. Use the furloughed time (long as you're young and single) to do other things with your life.

 

I am so grateful for your advise guys or gals(or undecided). Apparently 135 is the popular. I'll continue to weigh the options and eventually let you guys know. Oh, it's not pinnacle and rick, that don't sound like a bad idea. Thanks for your help ya'll

 

I agree completely with Rick. If your dream is a major, take the 121 job first. Seniority is everything. And majors look for 121 time. If you do get furloughed you will be one of the first to get hired back and will probably be at the front of the next hiring boom (and there will be one). You are always better off being on the seniority list than to be looking in from the outside.

 

QOL, QOL, QOL preferably the one that you don't have to travel time zones to get to work. But my advice, Pt 135 then get on with Netjets or any other corporate/fractional that respects its employees and never look back. Why deal with the airlines and the poor job security?