B737 Type Rating Free if Furloughed

[747400av8r]

Hey, to all you furloughed pilots out there, I just spoke to a Captain Carrie Lauer with AeroService Aviation Training Cntr. In Miami, Fl. As (I am in the market for a B737-300 Type rating).
She quoted me a price of $6995.00 USD minus -$500.00 for a summer special discount minus an additional -$200.00 for my ALPA membership, making the total cost $6295.00 for the B737 type which I thought sounded pretty good…
BUT what really amazed me was she said that if I was furloughed (I’m not now, but been there many times) there is funding from the government (called WIA) that in most states would cover ALL the training, making it practically a free type rating (wish that was available when I was on the street). Just thought I’d pass this along and hope it helps someone, if you know a furloughed pilot let them know.
You can reach Carrie at 305-871-5557 or 800-752-7467 ask about WIA

[PlaneTruth]

For those of you with new 737 types:

Southwest Airlines (the little Dallas carrier with the "famous" management) is projecting 800 aircraft on property by 2012. Current size about 380 aircraft/3800 pilots. SWA has never passed on an order or on option. The next 500 aircraft are on order/option (800 aircraft fleet will have seen a few retirements in 200 & 300 fleet by then accounting for larger order).

Pilot on-line applications reviewed periodically (they are changing their hiring policy and selecting the best applicants from the pool available starting fall of '03) See iflyswa.com and look under careers. Hiring projection for '04 and thereafter rumored to be 600/year. Upgrade in about 5-6 years. Pay for 12 year Captain in excess of current AA 777 Captain rates by '06.

Good luck to "y'all!"

PT

[ATPMBA]

Another government program!!!

How does it make sense that if you are furloughed, a B-737 type rating will get you re-hired. You got furloughed for business or economic reasons, not for the lack of a type rating.

I believe most airlines are not impressed with type ratings unless you have substantial hours in type. Unless it is a small cheapo shoe-string operation that doesn't want to spend a dime on training.

[Onan the Clumsy]

Workforce Investment Act from the Department of Labor maybe

[AA717driver]

Do you still need a recommendation from inside? SWA is about the only airline I don't know anyone...

Thanks for the info.TC

[PlaneTruth]

AA717driver,

Not anymore. In fact, that was a kind of misnomer. I was hired with no internal references (late 80's).

References are a must. They will contact a previous employer and they want letters of support from your current CP and any additional personnel who actually know/ have observed your flying abilities. Friends are fine if they have flown with you. The more the better. Expect them to be called.


PT

[AA717driver]

Thanks, PT. TC