nw320driver

Hi Guys..... This is my first post on APC.

I am looking for some feedback about buying a A320 Type Rating. Would you do it? Was it worth it? How much did it cost?.......

Here is my story:

I am current and qualified on the bus and scheduled to do my CQ next month at NATCO. So, I was thinking about doing it then. I have been on the airplane for two years (about 1400hrs) and I have working a NWA for 9 years. I am a late 96 hire and I am worried that I may get furloughed next year. So, I was thinking that a type rating may help get me a contract job (it seems like all the jobs require it). Most of my time at NWA has been on the panel (747,10,727), so I have that experience too. I flew the 757 for a 1 & 1/2 years prior to 9/11 and was hoping go back prior to the bankruptcy filing. Now I am re-adjusting my sights. I don't want to waste any of my savings on a type if I don't need it. I have the all the standard stuff (ATP/FE/Class 1 Med) and the following types already (B737,SA227 & BV234), do you think I need it????? Any feedback would help.... I have been out of the market for a long time. Thanks

Blue 2

Even with the 320 Type you will quite often only be considered for FO positions until you get some (500+) PIC time in Type.

HoursHore

I think that the only type that makes any difference is the 737, for obvious reasons, altough I think some corporate positions might require certain ones(GV-GIV). If you are thinking of the 320 for Jet Blue, I don't think it makes any difference. I think your time would be better spent reactivating the old networking machine and trying to find some people you know at FDX or UPS.

nw320driver

Thanks for the feedback. I am updating my resume and submitting the apps.

Typhoonpilot

Let me preface this answer with the statement that I don't advocate paying for your own ratings and/or jobs. That should be the responsibility of the employer. However, there are certain situations where it could be necessary or beneficial.

Blue 2's statement is basically correct. Even with a type rating, unless you have 500 hours PIC on type you will not be qualified for any contract jobs as a Captain. However, and this is the important part, without a type rating you will also not be qualified for some jobs overseas as an F.O. as many companies don't understand how you can't have a type rating and be flying the jet. Most foreign countries require a type rating for their First Officers as well.

What I would do if I were you is find out where you might like to work and what their requirements are in regards to type ratings. Airbus 320 jobs out there right now are Air Arabia, Tiger Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Jazeera, USA 3000, jetBlue, Air Deccan, Qatar, Gulf Air, Sri Lankan, as well as few start-ups in India and China. You may also be able to get on with A330/340 operators with experience in the 320. Those would be Emirates and Etihad.

With jetBlue and USA 3000 you wouldn't need to pay for the rating now. With some of the others you would and some you wouldn't.


Typhoonpilot

nw320driver

Thanks for the info Typhoonpilot. I had been looking at the posts for contract (overseas) jobs and found a few that did not require type ratings, and would train you if you had time in that airplane. Most of those required a training contract or bond. It seems like if you have glass time and expirence that some of the Asia Airlines (EVA, China Air, ect.) will consider you. I will hold off on getting a 320 type for now. I can always get one later if things really get bad.

Fools & Horses

Have you already applied to and/or given up on FedEx or UPS? I think they are the only two places that are worth working for at present.

nw320driver

I have submitted a application to UPS. We will see how long it takes to get a interview. I will be working on the one for FedEx next.

FlyerJosh

Go over to the NWA training department and get a copy of your training record. Make sure that it shows your latest CQ/PC. Take your training record over to the local FSDO and ask that they add an A320 FO type rating to your certificate. (It will read Type Ratings A320 SIC PRIVILEGES ONLY). You now have the required rating to fly as the FO on internation trips in accordance with ICAO regs. All it takes is paperwork. (The FAA is implementing this now and wants everyone to be compliant sometime next year - they pushed back the deadline).

As for paying for the type rating, there are both arguements... I worked out a deal with PanAm International Flight Academy to obtain my CRJ type rating after I got furloughed from IDE in May. They ran me through a short course (Ground school + 5 sims + checkride) for $5K. I felt it was worth my while since I had 4+ years and 3500 hrs in the type, and wasn't willing to go to another regional airline.

As a result of getting the type I have landed several domestic contract jobs (flying repos or mx acceptance flights). So far the three trips I have flown have paid for the type rating. The rating also helped me land my job with my current employer... (who typed me in another type of aircraft).

That said, I think that there are more opportunities for you to move on in your career (that pay better than 20K/year) with your experience. Good luck!

Typhoonpilot

Josh:

Awesome example of how paying for a rating can have returns to you immediately. I had to do it at a Supplemental carrier in the States many years ago. In my case I paid 4K for a DC-9 rating because my employer would have hired street captains had I not. Two months of Captain pay recouped the investment. Crappy thing for the employer to make us do and we got even in the end. My mates and I went to a job that paid twice as much about 1.5 years later. They hired some Eastern scabs to replace us who couldn't make things work and it ended up in them getting their certificate revoked by the FAA

Sorry to hear about Indy. I'm former WestAir and have many mates still there at ACA/Indy.


TP