Should I Get the Type?
 

I think the title of this thread says it all but I'd still be interested in hearing what the rest of you might have to say.

I know they've dropped the type requirement but that box is still there on the application; if I could check it off I wonder what kind of a bump it might give me. Currently I have two types and about 8400 TT (all civilian) with 2800 TPIC (mostly PC-12), some aviation management experience, and a four-year. I've got about 4,000 jet, mostly SIC.

I am a vet and I'm pretty sure I might still have some untapped education benefits. If I can get the thing without too much out-of-pocket, so much the better.

Like I said, I'd be interested in hearing what any of you might have to add.

To my understanding the type is desired but not required. I think you might get an interview sooner with it than without it barring something unusual in your resume. I think it helped me get an interview sooner.

If you have post 9-11 benefits, I think it's a "no brainer" unless you planned to use it for something else. There is a max you can use per year and I had to pay $2500 out of pocket. The full cost is $14,500 that you pay up front and VA reimbursed nearly $12,000 after. Most guys do their ATP and type at the same time. Make sure you get your certificate of eligibility from the VA first. Don't do training first and then try to do paperwork.

The course is "fire hose" course and you don't need any outside distractions. Long days with lots of studying and chair flying.

Good luck.

I was kind of surprised to see how much the cost escalated. Back when I was looking at getting it last time around I think it was $8,000. That might have been for the Classic, which they apparently don't even offer any more.

Thanks for the feedback.

If you decide to do it, do it as cheap as possible. I don't think Southwest cares one way or the other where it was obtained. K & S Aviation in the Phoenix area used to offer it at a rock bottom price years ago.

It seems like I read that the FAA decertified older classic sims. All have to be B737NGs. Maybe somebody could answer that more definitively. Maybe that is the reason for the cost increase? Fewer sims? I did mine at ATP Higher Power near DFW. Great place and wonderful staff.

IMO, the B737NG is a generation behind the CRJ200 in technology. However, it has auto-throttles which is a plus.

Just found out that my VA benefits won't cover the type. Seems I burned through them getting my stupid degree.

So now I have a decision to make: either take my chances without the type, or sell off one of the kids.

'Tis a quandary.

In my interview group, I think I was the only one with a type. Might have been one other pilot. Not sure it helps anymore.

For those interested K & S still offers a Classic EFIS type for $8,000 in Seattle. Eight days, if you do all the systems prep at home. I know it's technically not required anymore but I'm still wondering if in my particular case (buncha single engine turbine PIC and tons of jet SIC courtesy of a fractional job with no upgrade in nine years) it might not be worth it for the extra points.

That's where I went 10+ years ago. Amazing it's still the same price today as it was back then...

Crew Pilot Training in Miami does the classic type rating w/ ATP for I think $8500.