Retiring military noob question: Finished my ATP written and now looking for the practical. Should I fork out $5K for the Seminole or $8K at HPA for the 737 Type/ATP? Which gets more bang for the buck during application process for the majors?

 

What do your contacts say at the major airlines, the ones that are going to help you get hired? If you don't have these, it's probably going to be pretty tough to get hired without 121 currency and experience. The type, while probably fun, won't really help much and you'll get a type at a regional no matter what, exactly which one won't matter that much to the major airline, they just want to see you are trainable so they won't be wasting their time giving you a type ride. Many pilots consider a type rating without experience to be a detriment to hiring, but I doubt HR departments really think into it as much as pilots do.

 

Unless you want to fly for Southwest, I'd go the Seminole route. I've heard some say that a 737 type could hurt your chances at other airlines.

 

Does the post 9-11GI Bill cover both types of schools? I did the 737 type route and it was 100% paid for......used 9 months of educational benefits.

 

Save the cash, get it the cheapest way you can. If you can find an aero club, that's your best option. It's the same ticket whether it's a Beech or a Boeing. The 737 type means nothing unless you really really want to fly for SWA, who isn't hiring again until 2015.

If you've been driving a desk, you may need that extra cash to get above the 100 hours in 12 months mark.

 

Have you ever heard of someone failing the check ride at HP? There's something to be said for the controlled environment of a simulator that comes without surprises. With a little research on APC you'll see several--although probably still rare--occurrences of unnecessarily stressful passed or failed check rides at places like All ATPs etc. from people with only military experience and/or given by examiners that "have it out" for military pilots (perceived or not). Having to explain a busted check ride for reasons fair or unfair may not be worth the money saved.

 

Thanks for the gouge, folks! Looks like the cheap route (and more cash to get recency) is the best bet! Now onward to application process...

 

Retired USN fighter guy here. Now flying for Delta.

I don't think the 737 type will hurt your chances of getting hired anywhere.

I think that's an urban myth.

I had a 737 rating (from HP) when I interviewed at both United and Delta. Both offered jobs. Both never asked about it.

I had a canned answer if I was asked about it. My answer would have been "As a fighter guy, I wanted to immerse myself in the crew concept and learn the techniques of flying large aircraft". Again, never asked about it. Your canned answer can vary, depending on your background.

I paid the big cash for the HP type rating and I really enjoyed their program. They make a painful evolution, really fun. They will FORCE you to pass their program and get an ATP.

As it turns out, I paid my big money for the rating and SWA stopped hiring the day after I got my rating (timing is everything). So I went somewhere else. And I'm really, really happy how things worked out for me.

The only warning I'll give you is be careful about the "cheap" ATP route. I didn't try it because I wasn't confident I could do everything required in just a few days.

I have a buddy who was looking to retire and fly for the majors. He tried the cheap ATP route and failed his check ride. He interviewed at a few places but was never offered a job. He's a good guy so I can only think it was the failed check ride, or his explanation of the failed ride, in his interview that tripped him up. (he decided to stay in and retire later).

Lastly, PAY for interview prep. I know it sounds lame. But DO IT. They will help you sift through all your good stories to find stories that are appropriate for the HR nerds who are on your interview board. Trust me, spend the $ 250....it's money well spent.

Good luck to you jal362!

Thanks for your service to our country and best of luck as you open a new chapter of your life.

Cheers!

 

Valid concern. One of these DEs operates in the SAN area.

 

Good data points.

I have the type. Out of 3 career fairs + a Vets in Blue event, the only company that viewed it as something other than positive was JetBlue.

At a CP meet and greet with UA, he mentioned the 737 type as a positive.

It's not 2006 anymore, the hiring trends are a lot different.