Originally Posted by Rhino12

I needed to complete my ATP. Shopping around I could do an ATP anywhere from $2000-3000. The price to do my 737 type at Higher Power was around 3K+ after I used my GI Bill. Cons...like you mentioned...If I apply anywhere else I may get the question..."why do you have a 73 type?" Pros...I showed initiative and did a little more than the rest and earned a type for the same price as most spend on an ATP, I have a type you don't, I showed I can learn yet another (civilian) airplane, I networked at the course and made great friends, the company is well respected in the sim world, I did the ATP in a jet and not Joe Smiths Baron at the local FBO. I could go on and on...

Also, yes it only took 14 days, and additional 60+ hours of prep. I showed up day one drawing out systems from memory, I was able to recite appropriate ops limits/boldface, and use civilian call-outs - which are similar but different from our mil training.

I guess it comes down to initiative. How much am I willing to do over the next guy. You could say the same thing about my MBA...why would I do that? Like other forums, it comes down to being a better aviator and a true professional. It's not "just" about being a good stick. An airline can train a monkey to fly an airplane...respectable airlines are looking for guys that wear their uniform correctly, have a type, and have a college degree. It comes down to exceeding the minimums. With 121 guys out there that have thousands of hours of great experience, we (mil guys) can't afford to come up short.

Wish you all the best. Remember...character above giftedness.