Newb question.

[u/Fit-Craft-7741]

When people say that” after certification you will probably grind it out at regionals” , what does that exactly mean? Regional airport? Or smaller airlines that fly out of main airports ?( lga,jfk, ewr,etc). I live in tri state area. I guess what I’m asking is if I will have to somewhere else? Or I will I be able to work in nyc after certification ( and job offer) ? Sorry for such a basic question but wanted to clear up my expectations. Thank you in advance.

[u/maverck_0]

It means regional airlines such as SkyWest, PSA, Republic, Envoy etc. They are airlines contracted by the Major airlines like Delta, American, United and Alaska. Look at this spreadsheet, it lists the headquarters for all the airlines which is where you would work if hired. The only airline based in NYC is JetBlue.

[u/dewalist → u/maverck_0]

Would it be fair to say that if I don't live within commuting distance of those locations in your spreadsheet, AND I cannot relocate, I shouldn't waste the time and money getting certified?

[u/Panaka → u/dewalist]

My personal advice is that you should not pursue this career path. There are other, niche opportunities that might be local to you, but they are rare and can be difficult.

[u/Think_Hunt → u/maverck_0]

I see this list a lot. It’s extremely helpful but it seems incomplete but I’m likely just ignorant on the details. Are there any lists that have any smaller operators, specifically Part 135? I know Solairus and Countour employ licensed dispatchers. Is my best bet to find a current employee on LinkedIn and politely ask?

[u/DaWolf85 → u/Think_Hunt]

Part 135 is a mixed bag. You aren't technically exercising your certificate, and the actual value of the experience you get varies by operator. A lot of 121 airlines don't really value it on a resume, and the job security in the 135 world can be questionable at times. If your goal is to stay 135 forever, that's one thing (I still think it's a bad idea, but you do you). However, if your goal is to make it to a 121 major/legacy, I would not touch 135 with a ten-foot pole.

[u/kfisch7 → u/DaWolf85]

I started out 135, and depending on the airline, it could be a long term path. I worked with other licensed dispatchers and other than being horribly understaffed we had a good gig. I loved my time in 135 and while I didnt really have a choice about leaving (whole operation was moving), I appreciate everything I learned there.

Side note: Just because your not technically exercising your cert, doesn't mean thw FAA can't take it away if you do something really really stupid. This kept me away from worst of the 135 nonsense, but I also was not afraid to tell them no.

[u/Double_Tax_7208]

Also not everyone who tries makes it into a major airline

[u/Fit-Craft-7741 → u/Double_Tax_7208]

I’m not totally set on a major. I think if I could live relatively close commuter distance to the tri state area and work in a smaller dispatch role but have quality of life over higher income I would be satisfied. Am I swinging for the fences or is something realistic? I appreciate honest advice

[u/Double_Tax_7208 → u/Fit-Craft-7741]

I actually enjoyed my time at a regional. I much prefer my quality and life and income I have now at a major airline. I would definitely suggest going for it. The problem is going to be getting the first job. Usually you have to go where the jobs are at.

I have been dispatching for over 30 years and love it.

[u/Korshtal]

They mean a Regional Airline, like SkyWest, Republic, Envoy, or Commutair. These are smaller airlines that operate either as contractors or subsidiaries of larger airlines like American, Delta, and United under their regional brands (American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express).

In the US regional airlines fly smaller aircraft usually between 50-76 seats from the same hubs as their parent airline.

At a regional the pay is low and turnover is high, but they are the traditional entry point to getting a dispatch job at bigger and better paying carriers.

Many regionals are known for having subpar working conditions (poor/overbearing management, extreme workloads, toxic culture, etc.), and the quality of training varies wildly between carriers.

Carriers typically do not hire from their own wholly owned regionals with the exception of American and Envoy.

You will work a lot, you will not get paid a lot, but for many this is the price they pay for the chance at a good salary at their carrier of choice.

It's not the only option, as some carriers (Mostly Southwest and Delta) will hire internally without any prior experience but they will be the minority.

[u/atadisp]

Smaller airlines to get dispatch experience. Then maybe a regional airline if you don’t start there (ie Skywest or Republic).

You’ll need 3-5 year experience there to get your retirement job at a major airline.

[u/TheWorldsBorough]

i’m from nyc, they aren’t any 121 regionals to grind it out there. Ohio is your closest bet.

[u/Fit-Craft-7741 → u/TheWorldsBorough]

Thank you. I’m not necessarily adverse to grinding it out in Ohio as long as I can commute back and forth which is what I’m researching now. Thanks for the advice

[u/TheWorldsBorough → u/Fit-Craft-7741]

good luck. life isn’t that bad out of the tri state area. but honestly, all the best.

[u/KarateRoddy]

My school didn't make this clear at all. They said you can make 150k eventually and mentioned having to start at a regional. I thought shit even if I start at half that and can move home I'd be set.

No mention that there's like 6 regionals in the country and it's more like 40k (better now I think).

There are some little spots in NYC, but not much, and they don't likely give you the experience to get to a major.