Career Crossroads
 

Hello all

I'm getting ready to get out of the Air Force and into the airlines (hopefully). I'm considering Higher Power to finish my ATP practical and to get a 737 type rating. Is this a good use of funds/resources? I'm planning on applying to Delta, United, AA, FedEx, UPS, and Southwest.

The less expesive option would be to look at an ATP only program--my written is already complete. I'll go to Emerald Coast for interview prep either way.

For reference:
3600 TT
1200 ME
1100 T PIC (mostly SE)
850 IP/145 Evaluator
3.0 GPA BS (USAFA)
3.8 GPA Masters

1 hooked check-ride (not including busts in UPT), and currently about 2 years on a non-flying staff job.

Side questions: is SOF aviation experience a plus or a minus? Is all my single engine time a show stopper? Should I be looking at regionals to build hours/currency instead of shooting for the big dogs?

I don't know how others will feel, but why not save that money and not worry about the 73 type? None require it and it won't help or hurt in getting a job.

Just my $.02

If it were me I wouldn't spend it on a type. But, that's just me.

Centerline Interview Consulting

If you're paying cash, save the money and skip the type and find a local place and military friendly DE for the ATP. If you need to use the GI, the type at HP makes it very easy, just realize you will still spend quite a bit on hotels and food, Airfare! Probably close to what an ATP locally would cost. Plus two weeks of leave, which is worth $200ish per day if you sell it, and is priceless as terminal leave on first year airline pay.

After reading what I just wrote, I've changed my mind to definitely don't get the type.

Forget the type rating. It isn't required at SWA anymore and never was at your other targets. Get the ATP.

Good Luck! Hope you land your dream job.

P.S. Cargo flying is hands down better than 121 Passenger. No TSA, no passenger drama, no airline terminals, better pay.

+1 cargo also doesn't eat, sleep, or need to use the restroom. But cargo also doesnt mind turbulence, 6000 fpm dive bombs or carrier landings. :)

Thanks everyone, I'll probably go with the local Aero Club.

I'm pretty new to the industry, but is Scraggly likely to get a call from a major with his currency? Would it be cheaper and easier to go to a regional first without an ATP, get the ATP on the regional as part of training, and go to the first Major that calls once he has reestablished currency?