Golden Flyer

Does having a jet type rating make you more employable? Which would be a good one to have for that first job if you dont intend on flight instructing?

rickair7777

A type rating doesn't mean much to an airline because they have to run you through all of their training anyway. If you meet airline hiring mins, then a turbojet type rating might give you a slight edge at the interview, but not enough to pay $8-12K for.

Southwest does require a 737 type rating prior to employment (and it really helps to get an interview, but you still need 1300+ turbine PIC).

If you want to do corporate it is more important to know someone, but a Cessna Citation type rating covers a lot of corporate airplanes and having the type is more significant in the corporate world.

It is unrealistic to expect to not have to flight instruct...the only somewhat reliable way to not CFI is to do a pay-for-training program to get a job at a regional airline. Many corporate operators would expect applicants to hold a CFI, so you can do various signoffs for currency for other pilots. Also, the flight instruction world is where you meet all of the contacts who will provide you with jobs for the rest of your career....I have NEVER gotten a job in aviation where I did not have an inside connection.

Pilotpip

I whole heartedly agree with all of the above comments from Rickair. I would like to add one more:

What are you going to do to build time? Most corporate gigs require even more time than that first airline job. It's not uncommon to see postings on other websites seeking kingair pilots with minimums around 3000 and at least 1000 hours in type.

UConnQB14

want some great advice.. forget CFI and banner towing... you need to find someone who owns their own plane and is looking for a young lowtime pilot to take him here and there...

when you do, starting counting your last days because there is a better chance of you getting struck by lightning.............. twice

Golden Flyer

Flight instructing is a good idea, but Im looking at other options besides that route. A job where I can get those multi time, whatever it may be. I know of a couple places that operate Citations and RJ's. I'm just wondering if getting a rating would make me more marketable to the company since I would have a turbine knowledge base.

Golden Flyer

What do you recommend UConnQB14?

LAfrequentflyer

CFI at www.allatps.com and you'll get plenty of multi time...There are few easy ways to reach your goals...Most if not all easy ways involve dubious end results and lots of cash that you never see again...

-LAFF

rickair7777

Do you have over 1000 hours? If not you need to spend your time and money getting time in a 152 or, better yet, a seminole. The ONLY way low-time pilots get corporate jobs is by knowing someone really well...do you?

The only reason to ever buy a type rating would be if you have a dream job offer and they insist that you get the type first (everybody at SWA had to do this this). Many corporate operators will even buy the type for you, but many will not. But again, a type rating is almost certainly useless unless you have 1000 hours (for insurance) or 1200 hours (part 135 regulations).