135 flight follower

[PSARP]

Hey everyone, I'm back with more questions...I bet you all can't wait! haha
So here is the big question.
Is part 135 experience valuable in any way whatsoever when trying to make it to a major 121 airline?
Can flight following lead to other bigger and better bizjet opportunities?

 

[Cessna_Chick]

I know a lot of people on this forum will say you need regional experience to get to a major airline. I didn't go that route. I did work at a Part 135 company and then got a dispatching job at one of my top 4 airlines and was offered other jobs at cargo carriers as well. However, I also worked as a dispatch instructor for the school I got my certificate from and I think that helped a lot on my resume than just having Part 135 experience. Since I never worked at a regional so I can't compare there, but from my experience at my current carrier I have to say working Part 135 was a lot more work than dispatching.

 

[747Dispatcher]

it wont hurt as a first gig, you ll learn WX and dealing with pilots

normally the pilot file his own flight plan, and the flight follower do a lot of logistics work (customs setting - hanger request - meal ordering ..etc)

not hardcore dispatching but the money might be right for a first step

 

[Burrito]

Personally started from a 135 op.

I was there for five years (but spent 1 as a FF) and the rest of the time doing jack-of-all-trades stuff for the same company on the ramp. I noticed it was a VERY family-oriented company after year 1 or so - and the airport became home from 2 to 5. (Well Burrito, why'd you leave then? I'm glad you asked, other burrito.) It's all about what you're after. The place was getting old, and I was looking for 121 experience. AND - bonus round - every airline's different. Flight following at NetJets is a WORLD of difference from flight following at, say, Cape Air. Much like 121 - Regional dispatch is a world of difference from mainline dispatch - sometimes even dimensions away. If you've got the opportunity after some interviews, ask to see the SOC/IOC/OCC/ROTC/ARALSEA or whatever that carrier is calling it. On IROP days, you may not get so lucky.

Frankly, as someone who loves this industry probably a little too much, I'd say this: any experience is better than none. ALAs know weight and balance. Fueler/de-icers know average de-icing times, holdover limitations, and fuel capacities (if they're smart). CSA/CSRs know what it's like to upgrade/downgrade aircraft on stupidly-busy routes. Crew schedulers know what it's like talking to crew members. ... I think.

May be stretching a bit on that last one, but you get the idea.

 

[PSARP]

Well

I know a lot of people on this forum will say you need regional experience to get to a major airline. I didn't go that route. I did work at a Part 135 company and then got a dispatching job at one of my top 4 airlines and was offered other jobs at cargo carriers as well. However, I also worked as a dispatch instructor for the school I got my certificate from and I think that helped a lot on my resume than just having Part 135 experience. Since I never worked at a regional so I can't compare there, but from my experience at my current carrier I have to say working Part 135 was a lot more work than dispatching.

Well they finally got back to me with an official offer. They ended up offering me a IROPS coordinator position instead flight follower. The pay is ehhh...ok. I have always been told that 121 is the way to go so I am skeptical, but it seems to have worked for you.