RadarP3C

I may have the opportunity to get a type rating with a WIA grant. I presently have a DA-20 (Falcon 20) and LR-jet type.

What type rating would you recommend to make myself more marketable? I am leaning towards a Gulfstream type, but they are expensive and I don't know if the state will go that high.

Thanks in advance.

undflyboy06

I'm in the same boat as you are; trying to get a type with WIA funds. I started looking into possibly a Gulfstream or a Hawker, but very expensive. I've been leaning more towards a basic Learjet type, or a Citation CE-500 type. That type will get you rated for the I, II, SII, V, Ultra, Bravo and Encore. The place I'm looking at is asking for $9,000 for it.

BoilerUP

Who will do a CE-500 type for 9 grand???

CE-500 is a great type to have because it covers so many airframes; the CE-525S is also a good one to get as it covers CJ/1/1+/2/2+/3 (maybe CJ4, Cessna & FAA dunno yet) and the last production airplane taking the CE-500 type (Encore+) will be phased out when the CJ4 starts to be delivered.

LR-JET covers -20 and -30 series Lears which are legacy airframes with the exception of the LR31A; the LR45 might be a better type to have going into the future as it covers the LR40/45 and 40/45XR.

Even with a type rating, it is often difficult to get contract work on an airplane you have no experience in...especially in this market. Yes there are stories of people getting $1500/day for their GLEX or G450 types, but not a whole lot of that is going on today and NBAA Airmail is full of highly experienced Gulfstream/Falcon/Global pilots looking for contract work.

Good luck!

RadarP3C

BoilerUP, my understanding of the LR-JET type is that it covers the 20, 30 series, and the 55. Are you sure about it does not include the LJ31A?

Thanks.

UCLAbruins

This topic comes up a lot, and 9 out 10 guys talk about the high and mighty G-V.... From what I hear, the G-550/450 type is too mucn money for that..... As far as that bird, BoilerUp is right, you're gonna be competiting with very experienced people, those guys have some serious int'l experience.. Be conservative, be responsible, get a type that you're going to use..... I know the G-550 kicks ass, and I don't blame you guys for looking at that airplane. That's the 777 of biz jets.........my advice, Hawker 800, Xcel or Citation X or even a Falcon 2000, but the Falcon might be too much for the WIA........

RadarP3C

Thanks, guys for the advice so far.

Yes, I know it's rare to get a Gulfstream job w/o experience, but I personally know of one person to get a right seat job with no experience. A lot of competition in the Gulfstream market. I was just thinking that having a Gulfstream type (even without any time) would give me an edge.

But realistically, maybe another Falcon or Lear type? Or even a Citation type added to the resume would be best?

BoilerUP

Yes, LR-JET covers the 31A as well...perhaps I wrote what I meant to say poorly.

No airplane using the LR-JET type is currently manufactured. There are many -20 and -30 airframes still flying, but in the future there will be less and less of that type around, especially if fuel skyrockets again. The LR31A is out of production as well, but it is a much newer design than the 23-25 and 35/36 and therefore its logical to think their remaining service life will go further into the future.

The same holds true of the CE-500 type...the only CE-500 type still in production is the Encore+ and its production will cease with the start of CJ4 deliveries. However, 500-series Citations are EVERYWHERE and the type covers a huge variance in airframes.

Those reasons are why I suggested the CE-525S and LR45 types; my WAG is one would get more future use out of both of those vs. the CE500 or LR-JET types.

edznaz

Have you done a search to see which has more airframes out there? I'd bet the Lear wins that one.

Z

RadarP3C

I already have the LR-JET type. But the money is not in the 20 or 30 series anymore. Maybe a 60 or a 45 would help my resume be more marketable?

RadarP3C

BoilerUP, good suggestions.....thanks.