Questions from a 135 Pilot
 

Hey everyone, as the title suggests, I’m a 135 CJ3 pilot currently in the hiring process with Skywest. I’ve spent the last 3 years of my life solely focusing on corporate flying, but have since decided to go 121 due to market trends and QOL difference (I haven’t been home since September 1st). I’m very unfamiliar with the operation of a 121 airline, but have friends at OO and they love it. Basically my plan is to shoot for an ORD base out of training on the CRJ, and stick around there until I can upgrade to a captain and get based out west. I know their pay scale is online, but realistically what can I expect to make the first year or two? Living in ORD is certainly not too cheap and it unfortunately is a salary reduction for the first year. Also, if I live within the 2 hours of base, can I just hang out at home if I’m on reserve or will I be at the airport all day like I am now? Sorry for the loaded post, there’s a ton of differences between the two sides of the industry. Thanks!

You'll have no problem getting ORD out of training, its one of the more junior bases. Also relatively junior on the captain side. Expect $50-60k is in your first couple years as FO depending on how much you work. There is also a $7500 type rating bonus paid out lump sum after IOE.

Sorry I don’t have anything useful to add, but you haven’t been home since sept 1? OMG!! Hope they were at least paying you well.

That’s correct! And I wish I could say they were...we get no hard days off and still just below industry standard pay. It’s a lose-lose for sure