Airline VS Charter | In Depth Review 

Armon was in Embraer training with me. Awesome dude glad to see him on your video Ern!

53 y/o retired Naval Officer (Aviation Maintenance) using VA benefits to get my quals. Currently in instrument with commercial starting next term.

You got this Mr. Ern, you are an inspiration to all of us young aviators! I appreciate your videos!

Enjoyed the video. My journey started later in life (late-40’s) and is still moving forward. If you ever want to get the perspective of someone who started later in life I would be more than happy to share. Keep the great content coming!

Great video, it’s nice to hear some unbiased opinions on 135/121. Really enjoying the channel! I’m currently a full time flight instructor with about 750 hours. Looking forward to see what the future holds!

Ern you should have 75k and more subscribers based upon the invaluable information you present to the you tube world.

As someone who's finishing up my CFI right now, this was extremely valuable! Thanks for making this video with Arman. Sometimes it does get tough, but it's nice to see stuff like this and remember there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel!

did a discovery flight and couldn't stop smiling I absolutely fell in love with flying.

Smart move by not taking on the captain slot in Oakland. That would have been a mess for you.

What a great video! Y’all look really comfortable doing interviews like that, I love it! I hope to get to the airlines some day, and I’ll say this was helpful!

Love the video! I am a 50 year old working on fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a professional pilot. I live in Gilbert,AZ. I signed up with Sierra Charlie and will be starting my flight school on August 15. I have been studying like crazy and loving it more every day. Can wait to get flying!! Hope to meet you sometime and say hello.

Pretty cool. I’m 16 and starting flight school next week and can’t wait!

I love you Buggie Ern, keep your videos going man!

Great video and great advise. I’ve been flying for 30 years and found this very informative.

..Big Ern..always leading the way...with 26 K subs now.. flying right along..and please..just keep em coming..

Thanks for the video!! I am just about to start my journey down here in Brisbane Australia as a Qantas Cadet out at their academy, it's amazing to see all the airlines stepping it up in the training department and all the cool programs like Destination 225. Lets all power through 2022 and I hope we all come out on top!

As someone tha got their ppl in 1972,that was an excellent interview.

Love the videos Big Ern I started my training a few years back at ATP Long Island. Had to leave there because they frown upon working full time and staying in the program. I moved to South Florida to be around some family. Went to a mom and pop flight school down there. Turns out the owner of the school was running an illegal flight school (Didn't have his certificates), so obviously had to leave there as well. Found another flight school up the road (They are great). However, after all of the letdowns and being beaten up with all the time it has taken, my drive to study and fly has naturally taken a hit. Hearing videos like this, in which you say its a great time to be a pilot, helps me out BIG time. I appreciate the words and the videos, and more importantly, you being an amazing role model to current and future generations of pilots. Thank you!

Great content. I started my first job with a part 135 hawker jets at 57 and loving it. Thank you Ern. This is my third carrier.

I really enjoyed listening to Armon.... very well spoken guy & I learned a lot from him. I wonder if someday he will want to fly a bigger aircraft for a major US airline.

I just had my discovery flight last week and I absolutely loved it! It’s been a dream of mine to become a pilot and I’m going to start this year. Super excited. Wish everyone much success

Hey Ern! Love the Green Hornet! Loved the video! I’m subscribed, watched it all the way through and gave it a 👍🏽 Thank you for all the value your content provided to us! Thought I’d share my aviation journey since you mentioned that in the video. I’m around 180 hours, 70 hours to go till hitting that 250 hour mark. So, to avoid the exorbitant student loans, I went and bought a 1966 Mooney M20C. I’ve flown her about 100hours in the past year I’ve owned her. Got my Private in it, and currently working on my instrument. If it’s worth anything, scored 98%, and 100% for my instrument and CFII written respectively, I’ve been pretty proud of those lately. Should be ready for the check ride very soon. Pitfalls: Airplane ownership is not an easy endeavor, mostly due to maintenance which delays your training. Currently, have to IRAN my prop, but I would still do it all over again, I love my bird and she’s gonna take me to the top:) ✈️ (pun intended). This route is not for everyone, but if you can pull it off, you can get through your training at a much lower cost and walk away with an airplane at the end of it. I’m also looking at a really good amount appreciation on the resale (not sure I would though 💔) due to the current market. I just wanted to share some of my story if anyone else can benefit from it. Thanks again for the videos Ern!

The tidbit of advice i would share is to get your licenses and ratings as fast as you can. I took more than a year to get my PPL. And, more than a year to get my Instrument Rating. Guess what? I didn't save any money doing it that way and if anything my learning and skills stagnated due to major delays in getting flight training done. Flying skills are perishable so i recommend that you focus on getting your PPL and other ratings in 90 days or less. Get in, learn and get it done.

Simply a great video showcasing most variables in the business. Being a dinosaur as well the military offers a great path for those interested. Right decision on the upgrade, it will fall into place soon. Safe travels Erin ✈️

Let’s go! New video!!

You forgot to mention the importance of networking. I approached this in two ways. 1) I joined the local flying club and the local civil air patrol squadron. I met a lot of retired airline and military pilots who helped me connect with people in the industry. The civil air patrol allows me to instruct and give aircraft check outs to their pilots. You'll meet a lot of people in high places doing this. 2) I became a part-time co-pilot for CAE in their Citation sim program. Not everyone can do this because you must live close to one of their training centers. I worked with a lot of corporate and charter pilots. This is how I met my current boss and I fly with him full time as an SIC on the Citation Encore. 3) Slightly off topic but equally important is attitude. Be humble, teachable, coachable. Remember, you're just a glorified bus driver.

Not a pilot but a die hard avgeek. Hoping to one day get my license but need to save up. Keep these videos coming and fly safe brotha!

Spot on....doing what makes you happy. Thanks for sharing. Great video.

Have been trying to get a discovery flight in for over 2 weeks now! Keep getting bumped! (thanks Northeast weather) Love the content. Keep these Q&A and reviews going!

Two Sun Devils! Awesome

Good interview Ernie. Makes me wish I was just starting flying now. So many opportunities. Was nice to finally meet you a couple weeks ago at DVT. Hope to do some low and slow flying with Capt. Dave and you in the Kitfoxs. Thanks for taking the fridge.😉👍

Hey Erin, 50 yrs old and looking at doing a discovery flight and getting my ppl.

Great interview. One of your best vids.

Just about to get my commercial than I am gonna do my CFI, thanks for asking him about a few instructing things and choosing a flight school!

You know its been a week when I see my guy Earnie!!

I’ve been flying professionally for 32 years, 22 of which at a large fractional. Now in my 50s, I’m kinda stuck. For you younger folks STAY AWAY FROM 135 AND FRACTIONAL! It’s twice the work for half the money. You’ll carry people’s bags, clean up their mess, wipe their pee off the lav seat, etc., and have longer days with less scheduling flexibility. You’ll have better quality of life and make a lot more money in the 121 world.

Love the vids! Keep it going

Loved the video Ern. I think the hardest part of training would be the studying. There’s a lot of learning material that all ties together and having to know it in some capacity for a checkride can be stressful. You also tend to overthink what things you need to know.

Glad to see you're staying in the valley!

Thanks for this video! I'm a freelance writer working on a manuscript where my main character decides to work as a Part 135 charter pilot. I know this was not your objective with this, but it sure helped me to fill in some detail (since I am not a pilot). Best of luck - I hope a slot in Phoenix opens for you.

Hi Ern! I was lucky too, went to Houston, TX for my pilot training and jump from piper seminole to a B737ng, in my country Panama 🇵🇦. And with 250hrs jump to the jet, wao it was hard, but not impossible!! Awesome channel congrats!

That was really a good video to give everyone great information about flying.

Starting my ATPL training in Europe, looking forward to it!

Ah ERN if only I had the opportunity 40 years ago ,but I thank you for your in-depth video,s it's as close as I can get to the flight deck ,I do a flight sym occasionally in a 737 and it's my best time nothing matches that experience ,the real thing I particularly enjoy the take off roll ,I spoke to a Qantas pilot once who told me when the thrust comes on on the take off roll it's better than anything you can ever imagine . Cheers Kym Adelaide

Seeing this was a good motivator. I'm curious to know what Armon's logbook looked like as a CFI when he got hired at the 135 operator because you hear about a lot of people staying in flight instructing for a little bit longer before taking the traditional CFI - Regional - Major route just for pay and time building experience in order to meet or get close to those ATP requirements. I'm one of those career changers... worked in a restaurant bartending to fund a career in photography and decided that that wasn't what I thought it was. Fell in love with flying on a whim and never looked back. It's taken me a total of a few years to complete private pilot just because of the pandemic, but I feel like that speed bump has just made my experience a little more meaningful to me. Thanks for the video.

Being on reserve at the airlines is exactly how he was describing charter as. The majority of people at the airlines are on reserve and mainly don’t know where they’re going until the day before or even the day of. There’s many airports and you’re going to and you’re going to new places all the time. That’s something for people who want to go to the airlines should know.

Ernie, I'm damn happy to hear you were offered an upgrade. You definitely deserve it from what I've seen. I hope you get the upgrade you want here in the near future, but if you don't, I'm certain it'll come eventually. You give yourself a lot of shit when it comes to screwing up clearances, etc, but you knock just about everything out of the park that I've seen. You're totally worthy of the upgrade you want, just a matter of time.

I like your blue T-shirt with the top-half of the Cirrus. Where did you get it? Great video. Thanks.

I would argue your goals should be thought of as well. Example, part 121 regional flying will iron out proficiency issues and build jet time quickly, where as fractional operators will offer variety with exceptionally maintained equipment at the expense of pure block hours. Determining your end game has to be thought out, however both sides of the industry offer awesome careers. Seniority should be in the back of your mind if you are doing something that may delay obtaining the oh-so important number if your goal is working for a major. Could have huge consequences in career earnings, time off and commuting options. Anther great video gents.

I've got Invisalign myself, and it does take a bit to get used to! Otherwise, great video. I found it really informative per usual!

Hey Ern, I’m 61 and doing Invisalign now too. It’s odd but I like the results. 👍🏻

That was a great video, thank you Mr.Ern. I just wanted to mention that Civil Air Patrol has huge scholarships that will fun all the money needed to get your PIC. So I'll be getting my PIC completely for free from Civil Air Patrol very soon. Thank you again for a great video.

First comment !!!❤️ love ur vids man

When I go to Arizona I stay in Scottsdale and go to that airport to spot when I’m too lazy to go to Sky Harbor. Great regional airport. Lots of history too. Brought 1,000s of jobs to that corner to Phoenix back in the McCormick days when there wasn’t that many jobs to hand out.

Nice job Ern! Hey where did you get that T-shirt - very cool!

You'd have to pay me to go to Oakland and even then, that wouldn't be enough. Very smart move to hold out for Phoenix.

More of this!

Great information as always... Seems that he would be a great CFI. Where does he still do instruction at ?

Going on my discovery flight next week!

Excellent interview…

Hety seen:Good interview with Armond he sounds like he has a good Head on his shoulders loved the Interview I wish him all the luck. Be safe Greg

Well Done!

Landing was difficult but kept at it now on to solo cross country 😊

I’m new to flying and working on my private with plans to make it to a major airline. Your videos are so helpful please keep making them. Armon - how did you get your 1500 hrs and how long did it take? How many hours do you need to get hired on at a charter to build up turbine time?

Hey Ernie! My name is Sam and I would love to be a Southwest pilot one day. What free apps should I download to learn about the 737 (especially the FMC), in one video I saw there was a Boeing 737 FMC app and I would love to learn how to use it. I love your videos and you are a great inspiration! Thank you.

Once again, love the channel. Not knowing pilot lingo, what is the difference in all the different different classifications for these companies? Very intriguing. Thanks again

Hey Ernie! My best friend's uncle is Paul Fitzgerald, he was a MSgt said he knew you at the Phoenix ANG unit! I got to visit the unit this semester and see all the KC-135s and loved it! I'm a Senior at Embry Riddle Daytona and would love to talk to you about the guard!

Invisalign at your young age huh???? You’re the best Big Ern! 😁

If you’re not flying the Green Hornet you could always rent it out directly or through some company like Elite in Scottsdale

Hey Ern! I believe if I'm not mistaken you've said you used to fly in the air force. What aircraft did you fly if you dont mind me asking? Thanks! Loving the videos keep up the great work :)

Love the video! I am one of those that are doing a career change in my early forties. I got my private a few years ago, just as a hobby at first and have loved every minute. I finally decided to take the leap and make the switch. Glad to see that you guys are seeing the market in the same way that I am (as someone trying to break in)

Funny enough my wife enjoy the 8/6 schedule of corporate more than the 4/3 ish schedule I had at the regionals. The 6 days stretch of being at home is definitely nice. I’m currently btw the fence of going back to 121 or here. If you don’t mind saying what made you transition back to 121

Hey Ernie! I’m one of those potential “career-changers” in my late 30’s and saw an advertisement from ATP Flight School regarding agreements with Avelo, Frontier and Sun Country. They’re advertising the ability to go from working as a CFI “straight to a 737 or A320.” Any thoughts/advice on that type of program and what you’ve heard about ATP? Thanks for the great content!

Hey Ern! I'm looking at a career change to flying (a lifelong passion of mine that I've finally gathered the gall to pursue) and had a bit of a niche question....I have tattoos down both of my arms (not visible in a long sleeve but visible in a 3/4 or short sleeve). It *seems* most airlines offer long-sleeve uniforms and I have no issue wearing one year-round, but in your experience have you met anyone with tattoos on the lower arm flying commercial and gathered what their experience is?

Would have been nice to have you here in KOAK, but I hear ya on that commute life, lol

I remember my first 100 hours of dual given...talk about the blind leading the blind...but I did it with gusto, so atleast the student were confident...Oh and I have a 100% pass rate, so there is that...

Normally, in how many days/weeks it is normal to receive an answer from the airline since the application window closed? Thanks

Did you get your multi on the jet?

Heyy Ern my name is Jace and I want to be where you are at now but I’m not going to the air force I’m thinking about going to destination 225 after I get my privates can you do a video about that if you have time please?

What is a major fractional

Major fractional? So either flexjet or netjets.

Also Mike patey don't know if you follow him but his RU-vid channel he is donating proceeds from his merch he gets to help young people that would love to fly get there first flight check him out

Hey Ern, if someone can fly anytime they want as in 7 days a week, realistically how long will it take someone to get 50 hours?

What airplanes you currently fly with cargo and passengers besides 737

I have a question, if i apply to southwest under the destination 225, Can i also be a campus reach intern, at the time of applying? Thank you!

Back in the early 60s, my Discovery flight cost 5 dollars. Cessna 172 or Piper 140 was 10 dollars wet. Instructor was 5 dollars. After getting my private, I could get a brand new Piper 180D for 15 dollar wet with no charge for down time on trips. How times have changed.

Installing cabinets so I cam fly an airplane. Weird, but it works

So at 48 years old with zero hours, I am not too old to become an airline pilot?

Nice shirt, where can I get one?

Do you have to go to a regional airline before the majors?

The invisiline gives the feeling of talking like Daffy Duck and takes some getting used to for sure.

Great interview. Arman, my advice for you is to extinguish “honestly” from your normal speech pattern. “Candidly” or “frankly” are better synonyms. “Honestly” suggests that you often are dishonest.

No free ride were I come from

👋🏻KSRQ ☀️🌴🇺🇸✈️

So it’s a young man’s game, forget flying charter if you are over 50.