I have two opportunities before me; a 135 job (G5) that pays a living wage and a few regional offers, you know what that pays. Here’s some of my stats:
3300+ TT
ATP
1700+ PIC
2800+ Turbine
800+ Instructor
I’m a mil transition with a family. Would taking the 135 be a deal breaker if UPS, Delta, United, JetBlue etc. would all be an example of my end goal (in 6-8 months) or am I totally off and I need to check myself? Looking for some honest feedback and please know I don’t look down my nose at either opportunity but my wallet has a strong opinion.
Follow up ? Do you feel I’m reaching a bit in aiming for the majors with my current numbers? I have some coworkers who can’t believe no one is calling and some who say I need to get to 4000+ TT and a 121 type rating. I do have a masters and no other issues to report. Thanks again for your feedback and support.
I do feel you’re reaching a bit with your current time (Master’s isn’t a factor) but what’s wrong with reaching? It shows your enthusiasm and desire and those are both positives, plus you meet the mins so it’s not like you’re insulting or wasting their time. Worse thing they can say is no right? While I wouldn’t get my hopes up or be disappointed if you don’t get a call, it wouldn’t be a miracle either.
If I were you I would absolutely apply but I wouldn’t remain idle waiting and would take either of the jobs you mention. Always easier to get a job when you have one.
The major airlines are airlines. As such, they really prefer to hire airline pilots. If your goal is to fly for a major airline, I would focus on trying to build that experience.
Thank you for the feedback. I keep getting the 50/50 on 121 vs. 135 so I hope I pick correctly. If I really had confidence I could get through 121 training, at a regional, and get picked up within 6-8 months, I would totally do it without hesitation. I just worry I could be sitting at that regional salary much longer and that may not be sustainable.
I think 6-8 months is a little on the fast side. I would plan for a year or two.
The 135 job in large part depends on how much flying you actually do. If you fly a lot, that will help, but some of these jobs involve surprisingly little flying.