135 to 121
 

Hey all,

I am a turboprop SIC in a 135 freight operation, pretty close to upgrade. I would like the PIC time, but I am not adapting as well to this lifestyle, mainly because our jumpseating sucks and I cannot commute home.

Anyways, I'm concerned because most of the captains here who tell me to stay and get 1000 PIC end up leaving to regionals anyways, or to supplemental freight jobs with lifestyles that are even worse. Why tolerate this lifestyle for the time it takes to get 1000 PIC just to start over at a regional, for the same pay? I will have been here for about 3 years by that time. Our captains who *have* secured jobs at UPS, FedEx, etc. all had very strong family connections in those carriers. We also have a deteriorating safety record, and management typical to this side of aviation.

This company isn't all doom and gloom though, I have learned alot, the flying is fun and I have made some valued friends here:D . I've made up my mind to jump to a regional, I'm just looking for the experiences others have had, good and bad. Thanks!

Who do you work for?

I worked for a 135 for awhile, built up my 1000 hours turbine PIC (1900), it does help because if you go to a regional it does help with your upgrade - takes the right seat guys (low timers) a long time to build up to meet the insurance. I would recommend the PIC if you are in a good size turbine (1900 or Metro)

Personally I was in the same situation and frankly I would and did run like hell. I ende up at a regional who in my class alone had 4 street captains to fly the 1900. I missed the cut by 300 hours. Frankly I did not want the captain position off the street but I will be eligible for upgrade with in about 10 months of starting and I'll have a far safer next 1000 hours of PIC.

Here is the other thing, so you get a 1000 hours with Skyway or what ever fly by night 135 op your at, alot of people will have 1000 hours, you may need 2500 to be competitve where you want to go.

The lifestyle really blows when you have to report on monday and can't leave until friday night.

I also had a buddy where I was working that thought he would upgrade when he had 1500 hours but he bought his way into the position and doesn't have nearly enough PIC to hold an ATP, a little something they neglect to remind you about, make sure your not in that situation and getting strung along.

I always say everybody does things for their own reasons so good luck either way. I think there are better safer and less likely to get you violated ways to get the PIC.

Crimson Tide if you don't mind plese send me an email to [email protected]. I had been trying to get ACC to interview me, but seems like unless you know someone there even if you have thousands of hours and even jet time they won't give you a chance of the day. I thought you might be able to give me some guidance. So if you don't mind please send me an email. Any help will be a big favor.

Crimson tide, I would recommend that you go to a regional if the airlines are what you want. If you want to be a freight hauler then stick to what you arre doing it will open up different doors for you. Don't get stuck with the 135 bad QOL then build up 1000hrs PIC only to go to a regional.