Heis,

1.) I'm not 100% sure about your first question - hopefully someone else can chime in. It seems reasonable you would be positive spaced since once you show on property they can arrange for you to travel via jump seat even before you are badged. But again, I don't know. I know guys that didn't have cars here and stayed in hotels within walking distance if that helps.

2.) There can be sometimes, but there is no way to know for certain if you will get time off between ground school and sims, or before starting IOE. It totally depends on how things are moving. I wouldn't count on it, but if it happens - all the better. As class progresses you'll begin to glean an idea as to whether or not you'll get any time off, but even that can change.

3.) For sim training outside of Denver you will be provided positive space travel both ways, a hotel, and per-diem. Most out of town guys bid for this on purpose to save the expense of putting themselves up in Denver. You will bid according to class seniority on sim slots. There is a rumor of a second sim in Denver opening - don't know when it will happen.

4.) Sure many guys go home on the weekends during training, or if they get some time off between events. I watched many in my class do it, even all the way out to Florida. Some guys went every weekend, some only occasionally. In fact you must do four segments of jump-seat observation rides before starting IOE, and this is a perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. As an adult you should feel free to balance your study and family-time as you see fit.

Sulk