By the time a pilot makes it to your level of experience he has already spent a lot to get there, so don't do either. Wait until you have been awarded an upgrade then you can get your ATP and type at the same time, all on the company's dollar. Keep your money in your pocket. In the mean time keep building time.

 

Here is my thinking. I have all jetblue mins except ATP. I know a captain there who can help me get a job if I have an ATP. I figured the 737 with it may help.

 

Why not get a 320 rating instead?

 

Just curious how long for the upgrade at the Brickyard? Whatever the case you're building experience and turbine time, and when it does come time to upgrade you will have an ATP, and a new jet type rating which proves to other carriers that you are trainable.

 

They don't fly 737s so it is a TOTAL waste of time and more importantly... $$$

 

I cant live on regional wages any more thus the problem. I need to figure a way to add more to the paycheck and if I have to spend some to get some I will. Any ideas? Regional upgrade may be years!

A320 too expensive for me.

 

So if I have this correct you're having a tough time making ends meet but you're wanting to go spend money you apparently don't have on a type in a jet your prospective company doesn't operate?

A type with no time in type is worthless, your money does still hold some value but a little patience would probably serve you better. If you're dead set on spending some cash then go get your ATP in a piston twin. Mine cost me $1300 including the examiner and doesn't say "ATP Multi-piston-bugsmasher Only"

 

Buffalopilot, you have to remember the motivation of the posters on this board. They don't want you to pay for your training because it sets a precedent that other pilots are willing to pay for their own training. There is a huge stigma about pay for training. Of course pilots don't want to pay for their training, but doctors pay for med school, lawyers pay for law school, why shouldn't pilots pay for ATP's? The other posters are not looking out for you. They are looking out for their own selfish interests (mob mentality... no one should pay for training). You need to look out for yourself. There are tens of thousands of pilots who are looking for the same job you are. What are you going to do to set yourself apart?

I've always been an ambitious person. I don't wait for things (like upgrades and ATP's) to come for me. I go out and get them. I set myself apart from the other 1,000 resumes in the stack.

Having an ATP and a type rating will only help you get to where you want to go. I'd say do whatever you can to get the A320 type if you'd like to go to Jetblue (A320 is the 2nd most produced airliner of all time, many airlines have them, and there are thousands of them flying every day. It won't go to waste). If you really can't get the A320 type rating, then get the 737 type with an ATP. Be ambitious. Go out and get what you want rather than waiting for it to come to you. Go and get the type and ATP.

 

buffalo, do you not have an ERJ-145 SIC type rating? So you've gotten a type in the sense that you've proved you can complete training. You need PIC if you don't already have it, there really isn't a good way around that and hence overseas is a good way to go if you've got the freedom to do it and if they're still hiring.

You've also got to remember how people view pft types: "here's your lollipop because we're in the business of your success." Thus, it won't impress anyone because there wasn't any responsibility behind the type as there is when you get a type for your job. Save your money.

Here ya go, call ALL ATP, go get your ATP in the Piper and start networking, showing up to the job fairs, keep applying, go overseas, whatever:

Airline Transport Pilot
ATP Certificate 2 Days / $1,995
ATP Certificate – 10-Hour 4 Days / $2,995
ATP Certificate – 15-Hour 5 Days / $4,495
ATP Written & Certificate 3 Days / $2,195
ATP Written & Certificate – 10-Hour 5 Days / $3,195
ATP Written & Certificate – 15-Hour 6 Days / $4,695

 

I have to say that in BP's situation, this might be poor advice.

Basically, he is saying that he can't support himself on RJ FO's wages (understandable) much longer and his only *real* shot is JetBlue. Strapped for cash and you want him to go spend 5-8k on an ATP and a type that (other than EMB or A320) his prospective airline doesn't even operate?

BP, if you are dead set on not waiting out the upgrade and HAVE to spend the money on aviation, I recommend getting a citation type and your ATP. At least then, you might have a shot at getting some TPIC and moving on up the ladder. Buying a 737 or A320 type with your time and financial situation will most likely be regrettable.