I gotta question for the RAA guys....

The the RJ type rating is optional, right? So, how many guys opt not to get it? How much more CFI time does a guy who doesn't get the type usually have before they move on? Do the agreements to hire pilots from RAA that some of the regionals have apply equally to those with a type and without?

Which scabs are these? I didn't know there were any scab operations in this US at this time?


I agree that quality is what matters, but unfortunately you cannot get quality out of a 300-400 hour PFT program...quality in this business requires dedication, initiative, and experience as a PIC. None of this stuff is rocket science, you don't need a 2 semester class on RJ systems or a type rating...you will get all that in 4-5 weeks at your first airline, assuming you can hack it. Anybody that really needs a 12 month prep session for regional airline new-hire training doesn't belong in this business, period.

A PFTer can sit FO in an RJ for several years and likely never be scared or have to make a tough decision...he has a babysiter after all. When he upgrades, he has no practice with cockpit leadership of handling tough situations.

But I appluad anyone, PFT or otherwise, who holds out for the better airlines. Unfortunately PFT folks will not have as many options, and some PFT programs lead to only one place.

This post was started 9-18 - Things have changed big time!
Best Wishes!

You are the big bad flap so let me ask you this. How many 500 hours type rated pilots have been in aircraft accidents? Yet its unsafe? So let me guess you are thinkin well it hasn't happend yet. Lets look at this in another aspect. How many drivers below the age of 20 get into crashes and kill themselves or multiple people? What is it now a days? 20 hours to get your drivers license? How does this kid deserve a license? Well they passed a test right? So do the type rating guys. If they can go up on an FAA check and they can pass then they deserve that typerating.

It is about half and half for the guys here that do the type and don't. The ones that don't, do not have the money and always tell us that they wish they did. By getting the type, the airlines have agreed to hire us with 400 to 500 hrs. TT and 100 ME instead of having to build 1000TT. It cuts the time in half. The type rating class doesnt take anywhere near 12 months so I dont know what rick air was talking about. It is about the same length of time as the airline training if not less. It is a very beneficial program because we have talked to several graduates that have been flying for regionals for a while and love what they are doing.

"If they can go up on an FAA check and they can pass then they deserve that typerating"

A type rating means they are Captain qualified on the jet (a least it used to). Are RAA guys who get their type qualifed to be RJ Capts at 500 hours? Giving DC9 types to 300 hour CAPT students and RJ types to 500 hour RAA students makes a mockery of experience necessary to be PIC on a jet. It's a marketing ploy, nothing more.

Look it up in the FARs if you get a type rating you are still qualified to be PIC. No where does it say that getting a type rating qualifies you to be captain. Thats what the captain upgrade class you are about to go through does.

"By getting the type, the airlines have agreed to hire us with 400 to 500 hrs. TT and 100 ME instead of having to build 1000TT"

What's wrong with building time to 1000 total. You make it sound like to do so is some sort of mistake?

Don't know how much RAA CFI's fly but do you really think getting a regional job six months faster is worth 13.5K?

So, half the guys who go to RAA have no special "in" for a job cause they didn't do the type? Just want to be clear with that.

"Look it up in the FARs if you get a type rating you are still qualified to be PIC"

"No where does it say that getting a type rating qualifies you to be captain"

Huh? PIC is Captain. Industry standard is you go to Capts upgrade training and you get a type rating. Not a marketing ploy designed to sell students to a flight school.

Why aren't RAA guys who get a type rating Captain qualified? Is the the CAE course different for RAA guys and a regional airline that might contract out it's Capt upgrades to CAE? Same sim same training facility but two different outcomes?

TheProfessionalPilot
Line Holder

Piper Aztec E, Captain, MEII
36 posts since Sep 2005

WILL FLY FOR MONEY!

A couple of other things, stop doing this! You look like a guy that would give someone $25,000 for a type rating some else will give you for free. You appearently already have money being an Aztec Captain and being able to afford RAA. If you have a hundred hours in the mighty Aztec E then you should be able to get on with Express.

Good Luck save your money! Oh one other thing, getting married at 21 and being away 4 nights a week is not going to work if you have to ask us what to do about it.