Originally Posted by
usmc-sgt
Now my logic. I have military GI benefits and figured if I can find a VA approved type rating for around 5k that the price would be 2k out of pocket after reimbursement. I understand that a CE500 or a B737 type rating without time in type is useless but my argument is that is it any more useless than 3 more hours in a seneca?
It's more than simple hours. A few things to consider:
1. An ATP is one thing. An ATP +
a type rating is another resume bullet. In a tight hiring market you will need every edge you can acquire. If the cost is near the same, go for the better resume.
2. Passing an ATP is one thing, passing an ATP + type is more difficult. Those doing the hiring know this fact even if the type isn't one of their fleet types. Since it isn't stamped on the applicant's foreheads, employers are always looking for indication that the applicant will be a good employee and capable of passing the training with the least trouble possible. The logic is this; Pilots in training
cost money, pilots on the line
make money. Employers hate to see pilots have problems have trouble in training or, worse, flunk out because it costs them big bucks in terms of pay, insurance and training costs. If you have solid proof you can hack it, then you look better to them than an person whose qualifications are less apparent.
3. You've earned your VA benefits. They'll enhance your training by providing more bang for the buck even if out of pocket expenses are equal or even if they are slightly more.
4. Choosing which aircraft to be typed in is a tougher call than deciding on earning a type rating. As Rickair mentioned, are you looking at the airlines or corporate? If the airlines, regardless of the type, most domestic USA airlines aren't hiring. Even when they start, the openings will likely be the regionals since the few legacy carrier openings will become highly competitive by regional pilots who already have a few thousand hours of Part 121 time. Corporate is also competitive, but might be easier for someone who is willing to relocate. I haven't done the research, but would recommend looking into the most common type of aircraft being flown by corporate. If an airline, then having a type in a CRJ or an EMB might be the best way to go.
Semper Fi, Marine!