type rating with CAE, 320 or 737?

[747wannabe]

Hi Guys,

First time poster, long time reader of pprune..(although not for a while)

I did my CPL/ME/IR/MCC coming up to 2 years ago now. Haven't even had a single interview.

Obviously I did this to be an airline pilot so instead of paying x thousands for a renewal on a twin piston, to not get even an interview for another 2 years, I thought why not pay a few k more and do a type instead. And maybe - just maybe, might get an interview. I don't want to start a P2F debate, as I'm sure anyone without an agenda can see the logic above.

My question was, looking to do a type on either 737 or 320. Has anyone got any experience with cae's self sponsored type courses? Is there anyone out there other than cae that people would recommend?

Anyone got an opinion on doing a 320 vs 737? My thoughts would be one is probably more likely to get a job on a 737 as they're more prevalent in Africa. In my mind it would be easier to get a job with an LCC out in Africa compared to europe or asia.

But I'd welcome people's opinion.

Thanks!

[OhNoCB]

Don't know a great deal about the options out there but my thoughts are this:

It is somewhat more than "a few k" difference between doing an IR reval and a 737/320 type rating, especially with CAE who I don't think are the cheapest out there.

In Europe the 320 rating is going to open more doors I think. I don't know about Africa, my initial thoughts would be on how commonly they hire Europeans.

As I said, I don't know the options out there but I doubt that CAE are the cheapest, I know cheapest isn't best but I would suspect they aren't best value for money either if doing it entirely self sponsored.

If you are determined to do a speculative type rating, why not try to get on one of these schemes that might get you a job. Ryanair obviously being the main one, but even the less ideal ones like CAE's flydubai one or I think Aer Arann also doing ATR ratings and add you to a list of people they might employ if they ever need to.

[747wannabe]

Those are fair comments, thanks very much. Although I will say that its not a reval, its a renewal the second year. So training as required in a twin plane.. then your test etc. But agree its not a few K but its not that much more all things considered.. And on Ryanair.. flydubai.. etc. Believe my ive tried too! Thanks for your input though.

[schweizer2]

Just to clarify, your MEIR is a reval UNLESS it has expired, then it is training as required to renew it.

[too_much]

A320 All the way!!!! avoid 737 there are less and less jobs on this type everyday!

[747wannabe]

I think you can only reval in the sim in first year. Then the year after that you must renew in the plane and it is training as required before hand to be signed off for a test. This was my understanding from speaking to the authority on it

[747wannabe]

Hi Too Much, are you basing this on any particular source, or just general gut feeling? Thanks

[OhNoCB]

Doing it in a sim does not make it a revalidation. Any rating that has NOT lapsed can be revaldated, once it has lapsed it can only be renewed.

[Gpro]

You're making a mistake if you think this will make you more hireable. Whats your training and results history? Any second series passes etc?

You need to consider these before you blow another huge chunk of money on some more useless writing on a few scraps of paper.

Not trying to be a ass or anything. Just don't want to see people ruin their lives for a job. (If that makes sense)

[P40Warhawk]

Did you apply already for other jobs in Aviation? Ramp Agent, Loader, Dispatch, Flight Attendant? Via this way you can also open doors which otherwise would stay closed.

Paying for an Empty TR > TR without EXP hrs on it is an absolute waste of money. Chance of getting hired quicker then without it is just 1% at the most.

So be creative. Find your way in via another door.
It is a lot more respected. Besides More and More airlines start to disqualify P2F boys and girls. FINALLY.

Myself I work now as a Flight Attendant. I am so happy with this job and the chance I got in this airline. And MAYBE,,,,, MAYBE it get me later an FO job. And the Airline pays here for TR and pays also pretty good salary, but till then I enjoy my job as FA, which is a lot of fun everyday. And learn a lot from it. And that exp. I can take later with me as FO. Then I would understand my colleagues then in the cabin better. As I said. It is such a great experience.

Also in the early morning I go with a big smile to work.

Try that way.

Sending out your CV 100's of times, will not help you.

[schweizer2]

I'll just say it again, if your rating has not expired, it is a revalidation regardless of whether it is in the sim or the aircraft.

Prior to expiry = Revalidation
After expiry = Renewal

The only thing you may not do is two consecutive revalidations in the Sim.