HPA ATP+B737 Type or AllATPs?
02-09-2007, 05:02 PM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Southwest FO
Posts: 140
HPA ATP+B737 Type or AllATPs?
Looking for some insight on what's more attractive on the resume.
Background: I'm retiring in Nov with no flying since late 2004. I'm scheduled to get the ATP written and 15 hrs in the Seminole through AllATPs- took the 15 hr course to show some recent flying experience. I have the option of taking the HPA ATP+B737 in the sim. I already have a "class date" with AllATPs for mid-March. I'd still need to check with HPA to schedule the 2 week course out in Dallas. Out-of-pocket expenses would be higher (2 weeks in a hotel + airfare vs 1 week on a hotel), but coming out the other end with both the ATP and B737 type would look pretty good- IF I'm not so rusty that I fail the checkride! Definitely a concern since I haven't flown in quite a while.
Which is more attractive? 20 hours in a B737 sim or 15 hours (with a plan to fly more) in a Seminole?
My gut instinct says get the B737 sim time even though I don't have any other flight time in the past 24 months.
Thanks!
Stetson20
Background: I'm retiring in Nov with no flying since late 2004. I'm scheduled to get the ATP written and 15 hrs in the Seminole through AllATPs- took the 15 hr course to show some recent flying experience. I have the option of taking the HPA ATP+B737 in the sim. I already have a "class date" with AllATPs for mid-March. I'd still need to check with HPA to schedule the 2 week course out in Dallas. Out-of-pocket expenses would be higher (2 weeks in a hotel + airfare vs 1 week on a hotel), but coming out the other end with both the ATP and B737 type would look pretty good- IF I'm not so rusty that I fail the checkride! Definitely a concern since I haven't flown in quite a while.
Which is more attractive? 20 hours in a B737 sim or 15 hours (with a plan to fly more) in a Seminole?
My gut instinct says get the B737 sim time even though I don't have any other flight time in the past 24 months.
Thanks!
Stetson20
02-09-2007, 06:11 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
What are your goals. I don't know if a 737 type would be such a great thing if you're looking at a regional. They might not be impressed.
If you're lookin' at SWA or a major job, I'd say 737 type is way better, though some folks will say the type makes it look like you'll go to SWA at first chance.
If you're lookin' at SWA or a major job, I'd say 737 type is way better, though some folks will say the type makes it look like you'll go to SWA at first chance.
02-09-2007, 07:02 PM
#3
Bored
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: Grumman Torture Device (weekends only)
Posts: 445
Stetson,
I had the same choice and opted for HPA. My considerations:
1. Type rating is always good, show's you'll probably make it through training
2. Cost difference narrows if you qualify for MGIB
3. I wanted to see if I would enjoy the airline routine/style of flying
4. Prove to myself I cold do it
5. Open the SWA door
6. Gucci autopilot / FMS experience
My experience there was great - I passed no problem, and learned way more than I would have duffing around in a Seminole. I worked with some great folks, the instructors will get you through just fine, and I had an Air Whisky CA for a sim partner (who'd been around the block for about 10 years), so I learned much about the airline life.
It's very different from my experience as an E-2 guy... but I did fine and I got my brain to wrap around the -300 autopilot and FMS, an thoroughly enjoyed my time in the sim, even the checkride. There were enough military folks there so I didn't feel lost.
I spent about $1000 extra for room/food/rental car. The hotel is OK, free breakfast, and having the car lets you roam around to get away for an hour or two and get food other than the KFC/Taco Bell/McD's next door.
In the end, SWA wasn't an option due to being about 200 hrs short on FW PIC (started out flying helos, but RW PIC doesn't count for SWA or most anywhere else...). I did get hired by Eagle, Comair, Cargo 360 and had shots at CitationShares and NetJets. I ended up going the weekend flyer route and took a consulting job that had fantastic pay, QOL and involved interesting work. I got asked about the type rating at all the interviews, because HPA means you're trying for SWA - and I told everyone why I did it (see the list), but if I enjoyed working for their particular airline, having fun was more important that being at SWA.
Feel free to shoot me a PM if you've got more questions.
Spongebob
I had the same choice and opted for HPA. My considerations:
1. Type rating is always good, show's you'll probably make it through training
2. Cost difference narrows if you qualify for MGIB
3. I wanted to see if I would enjoy the airline routine/style of flying
4. Prove to myself I cold do it
5. Open the SWA door
6. Gucci autopilot / FMS experience
My experience there was great - I passed no problem, and learned way more than I would have duffing around in a Seminole. I worked with some great folks, the instructors will get you through just fine, and I had an Air Whisky CA for a sim partner (who'd been around the block for about 10 years), so I learned much about the airline life.
It's very different from my experience as an E-2 guy... but I did fine and I got my brain to wrap around the -300 autopilot and FMS, an thoroughly enjoyed my time in the sim, even the checkride. There were enough military folks there so I didn't feel lost.
I spent about $1000 extra for room/food/rental car. The hotel is OK, free breakfast, and having the car lets you roam around to get away for an hour or two and get food other than the KFC/Taco Bell/McD's next door.
In the end, SWA wasn't an option due to being about 200 hrs short on FW PIC (started out flying helos, but RW PIC doesn't count for SWA or most anywhere else...). I did get hired by Eagle, Comair, Cargo 360 and had shots at CitationShares and NetJets. I ended up going the weekend flyer route and took a consulting job that had fantastic pay, QOL and involved interesting work. I got asked about the type rating at all the interviews, because HPA means you're trying for SWA - and I told everyone why I did it (see the list), but if I enjoyed working for their particular airline, having fun was more important that being at SWA.
Feel free to shoot me a PM if you've got more questions.
Spongebob
02-10-2007, 03:40 PM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Southwest FO
Posts: 140
Believe it or not, the 737 type through HPA is actually a little cheaper than getting the 15 hours in the Seminole because I can use my GI Bill with HPA.
After I add in the hotel and airfare, I think it would be a little more expensive for the HPA route.
I understand the "I tried for SWA" deal, but honestly- I don't have enough PIC hrs for them, so why put in an app? I don't need a job 3 years from now, I need it this year. That's my thought process anyway.
Stetson20
Thanks for the input, gents!
After I add in the hotel and airfare, I think it would be a little more expensive for the HPA route.
I understand the "I tried for SWA" deal, but honestly- I don't have enough PIC hrs for them, so why put in an app? I don't need a job 3 years from now, I need it this year. That's my thought process anyway.
Stetson20
Thanks for the input, gents!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
