Buy a type?
 

I have 3000 tt 2000jet SIC with no ATP. If I bought a 737 type to get my ATP, would that open any doors for me?

Probably not, but it can't hurt.

3000 dollars to get an ATP at ATP in a seminole. At least this is a 737 type, for 6000 dollars

I think having the ATP itself is more valuble then the type in your situation. Cause if you have the type, youll have no time in the actuall airplane which companies seem to be a stickler about. You can the ATP rating for $1500.

My recommendation would be to get the ATP (without the 737 type) and try to find some way to get some turbine PIC time ... I know, not as easy as it sounds.

Reminds me of an old Steve Martin joke: "Ok, how to be a millionaire ... first, get a million dollars. Now ...."

Having an ATP will open doors for you.

Since you should get your ATP, now the question is how should you get it.

If you go to get an ATP in a piston aircraft, it will cost 3-4k. So in reality, it's only an additional 2-3k to get the 737 type. I would get the 737 type. The 737 is the most built commercial aircraft in history with over 6,000 built. There are thousands of them flying everyday. Most major airlines operates the 737. It will not go to waste. Southwest requires it to get hired (and its good to have for the interview). You may see other airlines go that way in the future. You need to do something to set you apart from the other tens of thousands of pilots looking for work, especially at the creme of the crop carriers.

Now lets say you decided to get the piston ATP for 3-4k, and a month later Southwest comes knocking. Now you're going to have to pay the 6k on top of the 3-4k you already spent.

I'd definitely get the ATP, and I'd get the 737 type with it.

With only the above info, I'd say that it'd be a waste of money. From your profile, looks like you are a RJ FO. When you upgrade, you will get a type and an ATP paid for by your company. Without 1000 turbine PIC, the 737 is useless because SWA is the only company that requires it (that I know of stateside). If you get hired at a different major, most are going to type you when you go through their training anyways.

I wouldn't think that having the type would hurt you, but you could spend the money in better places.

As other posters have said, unless you have the turbine PIC to go with it, an airliner type is not worth much. To get the turbine PIC, you'll have to go through a training program which will provide you with your ATP.

I would only get a type if you know of a job where they commonly hire without the turbine PIC but want a type (maybe some corporate jets? I don't know...). I also wouldn't even get the ATP unless you have a solid lead on a job which requires it.

Think of it this way... is a 2000hr SIC ATP in a whole higher level than a 2000hr SIC commercial pilot? I wouldn't say so. Almost all the regionals (except Compass?) definitely do not require an ATP. All the majors are going to want to see substantial turbine PIC, which you won't have even if you get your ATP. You're still only marketable to regionals, and with 2000 hours, you're about as marketable as you need to be as far as flight time, experience, and certification goes.

I'd either take the few grand and use it to better myself in another way which will really set yourself apart (maybe taking some college courses or participating in some kind of community service).... or save it for when the day comes that you need a few grand to get a job (job fairs, suit, interview prep, or maybe even an ATP later on if the opportunity presents itself).

Or, really thinking "outside the box".... you'll get an ATP and some type ratings some day. They'll happen. If you want to spend that money on flying, go get a glider, flight instructor, or seaplane rating (if you don't have one). They're fun to do, all costs about the same as that ATP, and it'll set you apart in the interview from the sea of ATP AMEL pilots out there. They're good conversation starters and you might make some great connections... many airline pilots fly gliders (and some, seaplanes) for fun on their time off.

With 3000 and 2000sic, don't worry about Southwest coming knocking. Get the ATP at ATP for around 1800, or wait for the upgrade at current company.

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I agree with the above post. If you're already an RJ FO for a regional, don't buy either one. Just wait for your upgrade. An ATP (without turbine PIC) and a 73 type (without time in a 737) are both useless.