Originally Posted by
citationxtango
There was more than one in my new hire class who made it through the ATP Jets course, with an Airbus type, and then failed out of training when they got to F9 Sims in DEN/MCO... It would be pretty ironic to have a 320 type and an ATP and not be hire-able anywhere (at least for a while) because you couldn't get through training at a 121... Both examples I'm thinking of also spent most of their bonus money too...
I have heard that as well. As someone who is about to dive into all that I have been studying more than anything committing as much to memory as possible. From what I have heard the Denver training is significantly harder than the Type training at ATPJETS. Granted its all based on the Pilot right? If you love bookwork and studying like I do, you may do much better than someone who skims by by the skin of their teeth. I have dedicated the past 6 weeks to ground school, Airbus Laws, Emergency Procedure Memory Flows, and memorizing the limitations of the Airbus including Airspeeds, Weight Limits, Autoflight, Fuel, Oxygen, Electrical, EGPWS, Engine Starting Procedures and timings, G Limits, Door Speeds, Air Cond/Pressurization, Reverse Thrust Usage, Gear Flaps Slats, Hydraulics, IRU, Powerplant, and APU limitations. The reality of it is, you are going from a world of Single Engine Piston for many of these Cadets and they do not realize how much studying and work it takes to earn your spot. You aren't a student Pilot anymore this is the big leagues and you either have the self-motivation, focus and drive to get there or you don't. No one will hold your hand on this stuff. You're flying a 162,000 Lb Aircraft this isn't the time to slack.
In regards to the Bonus Money that's gunna hurt them because you sign a Promissory Note prior to getting that money. If you leave before 3 years you owe it back plus interest. If you stay 3 years you get the 'loan' forgiven and a W-2 for income taxes to pay on it.