Sliceback

Retiring/retired military guy I was working with had his type rating already. Wasn't getting any traction. It might have occurred shortly but we'll never know.

He got a regional job and as soon as he finished his IOE, and put it on his online application, three of the Big 4 called.

Again, no proof that the regional job/type rating moved the ball but he wasn't going to sit on his resume. He chased after square filling opportunity he had.

If you've only flown small a/c, or fighters, it might be a good idea to get a type rating. It gives you exposure to the large jet environment. I'd recommend the 737(737NG) as the MD80 is dying.

texavia

**** deleted ****

Lobaeux

Spirit's a great place to be. They hired me as a C-130 guy. They did question my 737 type, but I was extremely glad I did HPA as I was clueless about civilian training.

I personally wouldn't do the regional route, not anything against regional guys, but you don't want a training fail on your record. Anyone can have a bad day, and if that's on your PC, it's a killer, especially since you don't intend to stay in the regionals. It's just a chance I wouldn't want to take.

WienPilot

It is rare, but it is possible to get a pink slip (failure) on a B737 type ride/ATP. A lot less likely than a regional check failure...but it can happen. Even at CPT.

CLazarus

I don't see any point in an MD-80 or 737 NG rating either. I got my ATP and typed in the Classic at CPT, so the type rating only added about 3-4k to my costs. I studied a lot before showing up so the disorganized academics didn't hurt me. I thought my particular sim instructor was outstanding, better than almost everyone I encountered going through training at UAL. In my case, the type paid off handsomely because UAL does sim interviews in a 737 Classic and I subsequently was able to bid for the NG after getting hired, so training was a breeze. I might have hesitated though if SWA had already dropped the type requirement when I signed up.

Getting typed on your own is a taking a risk that may NEVER pay off. If your top targets are AA or DAL, I don't see much likelihood of it paying off. If SWA or UAL are your targets, then it might be worth the risk. Just ask yourself one thing: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya? Any way you look at it, you need to be prepared to go regional for awhile. I was all set for regional training when I got lucky.

PS - K&S aviation also takes GI Bill for 737 type ratings. FTI doesn't take GI Bill, but their 737 course is about the cheapest and is done at UAL's Denver training center.

Silver02ex

I would say go to a regional and getting some Jet and 121 time. Having a type is nice, but if you get a 737 or MD-80 type, get hired by a legacy and get assigned an Airbus, to me you just wasted your money. I think getting some 121 experience will be more valuable. It will make the move to the legacy much easier. This is just my opinion.

ShyGuy

Even regionals want you to pass. They are desperate just like they were in 2007. Regional training was easy and a non-event IMO.

trafly

Save your money. Buddy of mine just got hired at United, Army guy with7-8k in C-12, Shorts, etc... Never flown a jet. Network like crazy and start pumping out those apps.

Hovernut

Why not get a Type in a current/future airliner like the Airbus? Several of my Comair brethren got WIA grants to get types after we were torpedoed by Delta. We, & a lot of DHL guys went to Aerostar in Orlando. At the time, they offered a real ground school, or a home-study option to save on hotel expenses. They used Jetblue Level-D sims for a Type of around $12k, or a Level-C in MIA for $7900. I think they use Avenger sims in FLL now...don't know current prices, but my A320 Type 2 summers ago was $7900. The instructors are really good...current airline guys, & the Owner/Check Airman is a JetBlue Check Airman, & good to work with. I'd suggest checking them out!! They do 737 Types, too.

https://aerostartyperatings.com

HVYMETALDRVR

I would go for the 737, chances are you'll actually fly it. Though the -80 is still around they are going to the desert at a steady pace.

Or save your money and apply to Southern Air, the job isn't great but it's not a regional. They probably hire you without buying the type, upgrade in a year, get some PIC and move on. They are also basing the 737 guys in CVG.

Good Luck.