Here is the situation, I need to get IFR current, and get some stick time. Also would like to go ahead an knock out my ATP. Of the two following choices which would you do? Note: Havent been in a cockpit in several years.

1) Go to one of big part 141 schools, where I can get about 15 hours in a Seminole, get IFR current, get some stick time and take my ATP checkride...... Cost about 4 grand plus hotel and 7 days there.

or


2) Had one of the big "Simulator" schools offer me a 737 type, instrument currency, 24 hours in the simulator...etc....and my ATP checkride for about 6500 plus hotel.... big draw back is 12 days.

Fire away...


p.s. background is 2700+ hours...nearly all multi and all turbine, with 750 hours PIC turbine.

 

Do you just want to get current or are you prepping for say...SWA?

 

im really prepping for anyone.... due to prior commitments cant even put resumes out on the street for 60-90 days.... but I think the work of getting typed in the 73 and the learning plus the sim work will have me moving in the right direction...

 

In your position, I'd go flying the PA44. Getting current after a multi-year hiatus can be rough. Same goes for learning an entirely new turbojet aircraft. Try to combine the two, and you may be setting yourself up for failure. Additionally, the money you save by choosing the Seminole over the 737 can be used for more flight time if you're not where you want to be after 15 hours.

 

thanks for the input Popa.... I am still not certain what I will do but you make some valid points. Not overly concerned about learning the aircraft, I have learned 4 different complex turbine aircraft over the years and was working on a fifth when I left the biz the last time around....more concerned about knocking the cobwebs off my scan and hands....

Any other opinions.....

 

The advantage of the 737 is that it is turbine and that seems to be where you've been and where you're going. So that aspect it'll get you fresh in the "think-fast" mentality. Although, nothing will humble you than an underpowered piston twin with only one running too! If the damned things would just climb!!!

 

Herc,

750 TPIC is the kicker here...as you probably know, you need 1000 for SWA, FDX, UPS.

It kind of depends on your game plan...

if you're going to go to a regional to get more TPIC, you don't need the ATP...they will give it to you when you upgrade (you may as well knock out the written though).

If you're going to try to get a job at CAL, DAL, JB, or some other major which doesn't strictly require 1000 TPIC, then you will want the ATP. In this case the seminole would save time and money, and the 737 would not be value-added since you already have glass/jet time.

If you're in the guard/reserves and think you'll have the TPIC soon, you might want to consider the 73 if SWA airlines is at the top of your list.

Here's something else to further confuse the issue...when interviewing at a major airline other than SWA, a 737 type (with no operational time) sends a clear message "SWA was my first choice, they rejected me, so I'm working my way down my list and here I am...." They are going to ask "So if SWA didn't want you, tell us why WE should hire you?" AK and CAL are rumored to have a strong negative view of the 73 type.

I guess it comes down to SWA...if you think that's in your near future and you're going to buy an ATP anyway, you can get the 73 type by investing an extra week and a couple grand. Keep in mind that you don't need the type to get an interview (it helps), but you do need it to start class.

 

SWA isnt really my target. I had though ( right or wrong, i dont know ) that I would do the 73 type for two reasons.... I am more familiar with an airliner/large aircraft cockpit and how to fly that type of aircraft than I am with a light twin so i figured getting my scan back and instrument currency actually might be a tad easier in the 73 sim, PLUS learning the systems of the 73 and the work needed for that would get me in the right mind frame for what is to come. FWIW.... it wouldnt need to be a 737 type, I would settle for probably any Jet or corp jet type but they seem to be the easiest on the wallet.

 

I agree that the 73 training would be both more familiar to you and far more relevant to the airline jobs you're looking for. If you interview somewhere other than SWA and they give you a hard time about the 73 type, just explain your logic...since you don't even meet the SWA mins I doubt anyone would hold the type against you. So I guess it comes down to time and money...

R

 

#1 makes the most sense.. No need to ever buy your own type, unless you get hired at SWA..