Went thru TK in 2/08 and IAH in 10/12 both on the 737. The two programs are very different in their approach yet get you to the same place in the end (hopefully), a passed check ride. Without getting emotional on the two here are my observations:

1. Facilities - DEN is like a small college campus while IAH is like a Flight Safety building. I preferred the atmosphere in DEN. It was easy to find a study room or FTD to run on your own time. Not too mention the cafeteria along with History on display in TK. I have to say also that Doris in DEN is by far the nicest lady you will ever encounter in this business. She goes out of her way to make you feel like your part of a very special family.

2. Equipment - IAH has the edge with regards to newer SIMs, basic audio/visual equipment, and PCs. DEN was still using VHS tapes and most PCs were yellowing from age. You could tell capital was short thru/ after their bankruptcy. DEN did give you the ability to run the empty FTDs on your own which was a plus.

3. Ground School (Systems) - completely different approach. Cal with the CBT, teach yourself answers to the test method. UAL with traditional classroom/instructor, build the airplane from scratch method. I definitely felt more knowledgeable coming out of the traditional method.

4. FTD/SIMs - once again different approach. CAL had multiple FTDs/SIMs with a different instructor almost every session. This did provide the opportunity for getting different perspectives and methods however did prove challenging with regards to "standardization". At UAL I remember having the same instructor throughout which made standardization a non factor and seemed to help a little bit with tailoring lessons to weak areas from previous lessons.

5. Schedules - CAL schedules were much more fluid due to the amount of training and available SIMs/Instructors. UAL schedules were pretty solid and seemed to be more commuter friendly.

6. Instructors - I must say I thought the guys in both buildings were both knowledgable, friendly, and were there too help if asked. There were some absolutely GREAT instructors in both buildings. I will add though that there were a couple of higher ups in IAH that I personally did not care for, but I'm sure they didn't care for some of us.

All in all both programs are there to get you through and to the line. They just do it in different ways coming from different past practices. I'm a United guy at heart so I'm biased but there are great people in both buildings that are there to get you thru and help make you a better pilot.

UAL = standardization and no surprises when getting different instructors. Same on the line.

CAL = the standard changed with each instructor and more often than not contradicted the last instructor I had.

A CAL buddy warned me before starting training that I should be prepared to be frustrated by the training. He was correct.

Great post!

I didn't know that L-UAL was still running systems ground schools. In my opinion, that is a huge plus over the CBT system at CAL.

When a certain "class" of pilots are dominate I have a feeling they will still complain because that's what they do.

True dat, however I meant the kind that obtain their job immorally.... you know, like taking food off your families table...

Thanks for the Good post! It was interesting to read!

No you weren't!! You know what you were trying to do! ;)

We have a winner. Take away the atmosphere and everything else. That one paragraph shows the difference between a Major Airline training program and LCAL. It was more standardized at my regional.

"a passed check ride"

Bingo the reason for the season!

Best advice given?

"Cooperate and graduate!"

Outstanding post, thanks for the objectivity. Looking forward to the training, wherever it is.