Help. future 135 pic or 121 sic

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gonza6bb

Well-Known Member
Hello all,
I am looking for some advise and a push in the right direction. I am currently flying multi engine turbo prop(less than 20,000lbs though) as SIC for a 135. I can upgrade in a year or so and log PIC. The question is should i stay here and upgrade and log the 135 PIC multi turbine time then go to a regional. Or get in right away with a 121 regional start climbing the ladder and grab a number. Long term goal major airline pilot.

Thanks in advance.
 
I predict 30 replies and 200 different opinions.

Do you like where you are? Is the pay good? Do you want to spend a good chunk of you life at a regional? Is the gig you have now stable?
 
lol i like variety and different people's opinion just to hear more experienced pilots give their input is a great.
Home based cant get any better, great schedule, gig i have is very stable. pay is 19k now, if i stay and upgrade to capt next year 45k, and id prefer not to spend a good chunk of my life at a regional if i dont have too.
 
gonza6bb said:
lol i like variety and different people's opinion just to hear more experienced pilots give their input is a great.
Home based cant get any better, great schedule, gig i have is very stable. pay is 19k now, if i stay and upgrade to capt next year 45k, and id prefer not to spend a good chunk of my life at a regional if i dont have too.
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Great job answering your own question, you won't make 45k next year at a regional ;)
 
IBC Airways? Do you mind telling us what 135 company it is and if they hire low time pilots? :) I would say stick around to get turbine PIC. Living in Miami with 45k is not bad if your single better then regional pay for 2-3 years.
 
only thing is if the pic time majors want 121 Tpic or would 135 Tpic (smaller than 20,000). thats why im considering it bc if its 121 preferred i minus well get in early at a regional and save 1.5-2 years flying turboprop.
 
jspeed87 said:
IBC Airways? Do you mind telling us what 135 company it is and if they hire low time pilots? :) I would say stick around to get turbine PIC. Living in Miami with 45k is not bad if your single better then regional pay for 2-3 years.
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Yes it is, great company but hard to go directly to major from there. Not completely sure if they hire low time pilots.
 
I'm assuming you're young and single? If that's the case go for the regional job, move in base, and aim for that quick upgrade.

If I'm wrong and you have responsibilities at home then you should re-examine your approach to this career and your priorities.
 
milleR said:
I'm assuming you're young and single? If that's the case go for the regional job, move in base, and aim for that quick upgrade.

If you have responsibilities at home then you should seriously re-examine your approach to this career.
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Spot on.... Yup young, not married. no responsibilities. thanks for input.
 
gonza6bb said:
The question is should i stay here and upgrade and log the 135 PIC multi turbine time then go to a regional. Or get in right away with a 121 regional start climbing the ladder and grab a number.
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If you're going to a regional either way, might as well go now because they're hiring now, seniority is everything, and you might as well get it out of the way. Alternatively, start working out a path to that mainline seat that bypasses the regional game entirely. However, it seems that regionals are probably the way to go to make the majors.
 
Hate to say it, but it seems the best way to make it to the majors as a civilian pilot is to fly for the regional airlines. Personally, Im sticking with my 135 turboprop gig for now. its just too much fun!
 
Roger said:
If you're going to a regional either way, might as well go now because they're hiring now, seniority is everything, and you might as well get it out of the way. Alternatively, start working out a path to that mainline seat that bypasses the regional game entirely. However, it seems that regionals are probably the way to go to make the majors.
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I agree with this. Once you upgrade you may find that nicer paycheck is like a set of "golden handcuffs." If your plan includes going to a regional either way, might as well go now.
 
I personally believe that 135 keeps more opportunities open in the aviation world. You may find the airlines aren't that great, but once you have an airline on your resume the corporate world shrinks considerably.

It is still very possible to go 135 to 121 major, especially if you are getting crew experience at your 135 job.

I think you should study all the opportunities in aviation and see how you like them. You may love 121 flying, or you could hate it and have a hard time getting out.
 
Depends how long it would take you to earn 1000tpic at IBC. If it is fast then I suggest you stay put, get the upgrade and log the 1000tpic in the tprop then flood the market with resumes and see what sticks.

Worst case is that you would have to sit right seat in a jet at a regional for less than a year before being looked upon favorably by a major. That 1000tpic also acts as a safety net incase you get furloughed at another airline. Your marketability increases dramatically with the minimum of 1000 multi-tpic.
 
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