FTI B737 Type Rating review
 

Finished up my 737 type recently at FTI in DEN. I thought I would post a review as others have expressed interest.

The course is an accelerated Part 142 type rating. This means that you basically do your own ground school via 32 hours (minimum) Computer Based Training. They issue all the required Boeing manuals via iPad through Jet Pubs with additional self study requirements. The training must be completed prior to day one of school.

You will have day 1 as 8 hours of ground with an entry exam, instruction, and an exit exam.

The sim training is to ATP standards in a 737-300 Classic at UAL's training center. The instructors are all contract employees, and most are current or retired UAL check airmen/instructors. I enjoyed working with each of them.

While it is an "accelerated course," I wouldn't say it's a guaranteed pass by any means, and they won't cover everything about the airplane. You will still need to earn it--and it's still a real checkride.

The oral isn't as in-depth as a 121 check, and you do the oral with your sim partner in a cooperative effort. The oral was more of a Flight Safety type event.

Expect a full two hours in each seat on checkride day. The check profile is basically the standard 121 profile including a circle. An emergency descent is not required for those who hold an FAA type rating already.

FTI is the shortest and cheapest 737 course around.

I recommend staying at the Holiday Inn Stapleton East as they give an FTI rate and it's right across the road from the center.

I would recommend FTI for a 737 type if that's your heading.

Good write up, but why would anyone pay for a 737 type rating these days? Southwest doesn't require it anymore and SWA isn't even the hot stuff anymore this decade.

Quality of life in my case, and I do want to work for SWA. One can argue that they "don't require the type," but the information I have from very reliable inside sources still points to favoring the type.

Adding a type to a pilot certificate is never a bad thing. It builds or maintains a skill set, is a new opportunity to improve one's self, it's a networking doorway, etc.

This thread could go for days on the merits of the type...and both sides will have good points.

Now I have "B737" on my certificate, and that's a plus for ME.

(Also, I now have 24 hours in the very sim they use for UAL interviews. UAL is my second choice.)

I was told the same thing. Type not required. Then I was told that I could be on top of the pile! THE OTHER pile. The non type pile.

I was told the same thing about United. "Top of the short stack!" they said. Direct quote. Over a year ago. Still no call. Love it.

How much did you pay for this networking opportunity?

I'm been in the short stack at Continental since 2006. Wonder if I should update??? Don't get your hopes up, this is aviation.:eek:

Like I said, folks will have many reasons to do it or not. As you have posted in other threads, "to each his own."

Does your heart drop every time the phone rings like mine does!? :D

Seriously though, I agree. I've gotten used to it. Doesn't make it any less demoralizing though!

Cheers.

Could one use this type rating course as a good all-round ATP refresher and currency venue? I'm military getting ready to retire but have been flying a desk for the last few years.

at6d: as a previous poster asked: how much was the course?