Originally Posted by
feathering tickles
Thanks for the replies guys. So how come everyone (excepting those who are looking for a type-rating on 355/135/109) doesn’t do the SE IR, it’s a load cheaper?
I would think because of 2 reasons:
1st, it is cheaper yes (about 29) but if you then still need a twin rating because the new company only will hire you with a twin rating, you have to pay another 10k (correct me if I'm wrong, 2 years ago) so total still total 39k.
you can get a ME IR for 39k. Doing the SE route + then the ME rating will give you an extra 206 rating for the same price. Downside is less ME hours. But 2 or 25 hrs probably won't make a big difference.
2nd if you aim to go offshore but might accept 1-2 years onshore, then lots of 355/135/109 jobs and that will give you those hard to get ME hours..
There are also 206 jobs but that's still SE hours and if an offshore company sees 2 identical resumes, 1 with 200hrs SE 206 and 1 with 200hrs ME 355, then most likely the 355 guy gets the job. Having said that, sometimes it's more important who you know than what's in your logbook.
I would look at jobs you are aiming for, look at the requirements and maybe even contact them if they would hire you with a SE IR.
It's a casino out there :-). place your bets....