I am curious how Spirit training would be for a 135 cargo pilot using a basic auto pilot and Garmin 430/530? Any insight will help.

😂

Sorry man, couldn’t resist. My advice, not worth the risk. This program not set up for guys without prior 121 and automation.

If you don’t mind me asking what background did you have prior to your first 121 job?


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If you don’t mind me asking prior to being in 121 what was your pilot position?

I don't think he is saying that jumping to any 121 is a bad idea, just this one. The training program here is not designed for those without prior 121 experience. You literally do 4 sims and then a full pic check/type ride. Failures here currently are at an all time high. A pink slip is not worth it for this garbage company.

I was just wondering what is pre 121 experience was. I don’t think all 121s are garbage yet I would prefer to skip regionals but obviously may not.


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I understand 121 carries are different I was just curious if there have been other 135 pilots go through Spirit and how the training was for them. I’ve been hired by another 121 just weighing my options.

its a self study style course where you have to learn both seats and checkride in the left seat, followed by ioe all in the right seat. plenty of 135 guys here but they were at a disadvatage compared to 121 experienced crews, especially compared to e170/175 crews

Whether or not spirit is your final career destination (LOLZ show me the money Bob) you really may be better off going through a full training course at another 121 outfit first. You'll get better first year pay at many regionals and be better prepared to either come to spirit or any other major carrier after that year. $35k-ish at Spirit vs. $50k at a regional, plus more comprehensive training before hitting the line... A bunch of my friends passed on Spirit and went to regionals instead because of this and it's really hard to find fault in their reasoning. They'll be flying for United/Delta/SWA/FedEx/UPS as quickly as anyone coming from Spirit and they'll make $20-$30k more along the way during their first couple of years. Some started a year ago and will be logging PIC time making CA pay before Spirit pilots see a new contract.

That said, if you study hard before even showing up for training, yea you can get through it with no prior 121 experience. The odds are against you and if your first ever V1 cut is when they show it to you in the sim before your checkride, then you're going to need to be well prepared to do that pilot shxt before you get here. Feeling lucky?

Thanks for the insight it does seem like a regional is the safer option. I have been flying as a CA for the past 2 years and am familiar with PIC checkrides. Just know 121 is much different than 135 esp. the automation etc.