Type ratings and when should someone get one
 

I have a couple questions on Type ratings because I've never had one. First of all do they expire or are they good for as long as you hold your certificates?

Secondly how are the ratings classified. For instance if you get typed in a B737-200 and then want to move up to a B727-300 does it require an entire new type rating or is it just a quick transition bit?

I was also wondering when someone should get one. I'm currently at 1200hrs and still working at it. We get the merlin back this next week and have tons of flights already scheduled so I'll start building my twin turbin time up fast. At what point it is worth getting a type for a job? Should someone even consider doing it? I keep looking on climbto350.com and it seems like everyone already wants someone with a type rating. I'm beginning to think that outside of CFI positions that site isn't really worth much. I hear of jobs from word of mouth that guys have done that seem much better. Or atleast better odds of getting.

Does the actual type rating make me more competitive for someone like Southwest or another airline?

Thanks
Duck

Duck,

Type ratings are good for as long as you have your certificate. There are certain training and recurrency requirements dictated by the FARs regarding sim or in aircraft training in order to utilize the type, but otherwise they don't "expire" like a CFI might.

IMHO, there is TYPICALLY no need to purchase a type rating. I am a firm believer that under usual circumstances an EMPLOYER should pay for the necessary training. That said, there are times when obtaining a type rating on one's own is appropriate (I have done so myself).

Transition training between similar types depends on the type rating and the manufacturer. For example, the 737 type covers all derivatives of the plane from the -200 to -700/800/900, but the CRJ type rating is entirely different from the Challenger 604 which is almost identical from a systems standpoint (minor differences.) The CRJ type though is good for all of the CRJs (200/700/900) with difference training.

Some aircraft transitions allow/require short course training (such as one week), differences training (1 day + 1 sim), or the full course (14 days - 1 month)

I would say that unless you have an ATP (or enough hours for one), and several thousand hours (say 2500-3000TT and 1000PIC), the cost of the training will most likely not outweigh the benefit.

There are certain employers that require types before employement (such as Southwest and many corporate jobs). Whether or not it's worth shelling out the money is up to the individual pilot after conducting a personal cost/benefit assessment.

And I don't want to burn it up with another thread so I'll just ask here. What's everyone's position on being a Second officer on a bigger jet? good or bad deal?
Duck

Just depends on what makes you happy and where you want to end up at the end of the road... I for one would love the opportunity to sit sideways in a "classic" airliner if the right opportunity presented itself in terms of pay and QOL... (Maybe I can get the boss to replace our Citation with a 727... hmmm...)

Hey josh thanks! hit the nail on the head.

Type ratings are a waste of money. Let your employer get them for you. People often get one for "pay for training" airlines like SWA, but that is a gamble. Most airlines ignore the fact that you have a type rating in a plane, but no experience in it. I think United only recognized it if you had the type rating AND 300 hours flying the actual plane. I have 6 type ratings and I didn't pay for any of them. Spend your money wisely.:D

I wouldn't pay for one but would never pass up the chance for a free one