Are any 135 operators hiring low-time FOs? preferably in Texas?

I’m pretty sure Amerflight is hiring at 500 with a CFI certificate.

Tradewinds is hiring at 500 hours I think.

yes but they have a 24 month contract as a PIC

STAR Marianas Air. Northern Marianas Islands. They don’t hire FOs, but they hire VFR PICs around 500 hours.

Berry's posted mins are 500. Have bases at DTO and HYI. Not sure what's competitive. I did have a co-worker get offered there at 600 but he turned it down, at least for now. Believe he knew somebody at the company already.

You got tropic ocean and makers air. but their pay is scary low (starting at like 25-30K). How bad are you wanting those hours? and how much do you like ramen noodles?

I recently spoke with an Ameriflight Regional Chief Pilot. He told me that they had SIM issues, and do not know when they will be back up, therefore they are not hiring any FO's at the time. Also, I meet all minimum requirements and some, he told me that they are seeking candidates with a CFi certificate only.

Hope this helps for all the non-CFI'S that meet requirements.

interesting, I’ve always told people to get their CFI certificate anyway, but that’s probably the first time I’ve heard of a 135 freight operator requiring a CFI certificate to apply. Do you know what their reasoning is for that?

Your surprise about a 135 operator is as much as a surprise to me when I found out. I reached out to Ameriflight by calling them. For a while now, I have not seen any postings on their website for FO positions, so I went out my way. I was put in contact with the West Regional Chief Pilot. He asked me to send him my resume. Long story short, his reasoning for Ameriflight looking for candidates with CFI cert is......#1. Their personal preference, and #2. Because eventually they want that person eventually taking on leadership roles. IE ( a captain coaching and counseling, taking on leadership roles). I must say, I guess my 12-1/2 years in the military and four combat deployments is not suffecient enough..........and the previous roles in management at different jobs while obtaining both my Associates Degree and Bachelors degree. I fully understand that taking on leadership roles and moving up to a captain position at any airline or company is important, but seeing a candidate that already pocessess those qualities should also be taken into consideration.