135/121 training

D

daydreamer

Well-Known Member
As I get closer to my 135/ and ATP minimums. I am also getting little anxious about training. I typically fly single engine Cessna aircrafts. And nothing more fancy than that. I do have about 50 hours or so in G1000

My goal is to work for a 121 carrier.
Do you think it's wise to go work for a 135 operator and gain some valuable experience flying single pilot night and than transition to 121.

Anyone ever done 135 to 121? If so, how was your experience? would you do it again in the same order or go straight to 121?
What were the challenges/ differences between the two?

I thought about going to MAC once I get 135 minimums. Their fleet consists of Cessna 208/ATR. The cessna caravans seems like a easy transition from a c-172.
Work there for about a 1-2 years and than go 121.
 
No 121 experience here but if that's where you want to go then don't waste time at a 135 gig, especially flying single engine aircraft. I know quite a few people who have gone from 135 to 121 and I don't think anyone who honestly applied themselves had a really difficult time, and I think the same goes for people coming from an instructing, pipeline, or picot background.
 
I went from a 172 to CRJ without any issues. Just do exactly what the instructors tell you to and you should be okay. I'd suggest being 100% confident in instrument flying if you aren't already. One instructor told me, "we're not here to teach you how to fly an ILS, we're here to teach you how to fly an ILS in our jet."
 
I don't have any 135 experience but I can't say I'd recommend it if your goal is 121. If your goal is 121 you'd be better off going to the airlines as soon as possible, since seniority is everything in the airlines.

It is true that 121 can be quite a transition from light general aviation. Like Jordan I tried to go from a 172 to the CRJ but I got destroyed in sim training and washed out. However I was not instrument current when I started training, and I also have a long history of struggling with maneuvers training ( I don't think I completed a single one of my ratings in the minimum required time).

So I would recommend making sure you are not only current but 100% proficient with instrument flying when you start training. If you are IFR proficient, you will probably be fine as long as you exercise good study habits in training.
 
Go 121, At a regional I'd be willing to bet most of your class will be coming from the same planes to a jet. You'll be fine.
 
I spent 3 years flying 135 single pilot in 402's before going to the regionals. Made the entire 121 experience seem like the easiest job on the planet.

Without question, gaining some experience flying 135 SP will make you a better pilot, but in this hiring environment I would go straight to a regional and get a number.
 
milleR said:
Without question, gaining some experience flying 135 SP will make you a better pilot, but in this hiring environment I would go straight to a regional and get a number.
Click to expand...
Probably the best description ever.

300 hours difference (worst case) from 135 to 121 minimums. With the market the way it is, there is no reason to slug it for a year or longer at a 135 carrier flying ragged out planes (FedEx feeders excluded) for little money and crap benefits when you can instruct your butt off for a few more months and pick your regional.

I say this as a former 135 chief pilot - go to the regionals asap. If you're halfway competent, training is a walk in the park - it's what the whole training department specializes in. Don't overthink it.
 
If you are serious about MAC, and are available to do the 135 work soon, it may not be a bad idea. I agree with what others have said about the regionals, if that is your end goal, skip the 135. However, if you are still 300 hours (maybe 6 months) shy of ATP mins, you could get established at a good company and the transition would be easier for you. I can't speak for the company, but I think they would be happy to transition you into the 121 side promptly (there is a high demand, and you are already a trusted employee at that point). It definitely would make the transition easier. That doesn't mean it's necessary, though. If you study hard and have done well so far on tests, training, and checkrides, you should be able to jump over to 121 as others have said. PM me if you have more questions specific to MAC.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top