Originally Posted by
Kilogram
I'm on a similar boat, considering a move to the US. I don't have any Turbine PIC experience but have about 3000hrs on the A320 and 4500 total.
I'm considering a 135 operator flying Cessna 402's because it will allow me to sleep home every night (and other conditions that just seem ideal until family adjusts to transition). Final goal would be of course a major or an LCC but I wouldn't have a type rating on my FAA ATP. I do have a 4 year degree. Would I have a shot at a major or LCC after building about 1000hrs PIC on a light twin flying Part 135? Or maybe could I qualify for a DEC at one of the regionals that offer such opportunities?
Thanks in advance!
kg
AFAIK you need 1,000 hrs Part 121 time to upgrade at a regional flying 121. The guys getting hired at the majors mostly have at least 500 hrs 121 PIC. Not everyone does but there's always outliers. Building your resume by choosing the outlier path ("I'll be the guy that is the exception...") can be hard road in life.
Would you have a chance with some Part 135 PIC time? Perhaps. You'd have 5500 TT, 3000 hrs 320, and 1000 hrs not 121 PIC. That's 1.5 yrs down the road? Go to a U.S. regional and in 2.5 yrs you'd probably have 500 hrs 121 PIC. The AA regional carriers have an expected 'flow' in 5-7 years (speaking with a former flow guy).
How old are you? Choosing the AA regional gives you a guaranteed job at AA in approx. 5-7 yrs. Going to the regional makes you the typical non military new hire in about 3 yrs. Going to the Part 135 job makes you the typical.....nope, not many guys are on that path to the majors.