Also...
What caught us out was the gap between the AHC and the TR courses. So, you give up your job and go on the advanced handling course. What you don't realise is that this is another sim test! If you pass this, then you go on the next type rating course, and this could be some time away. So you have no pay for the duration of the AHC, the wait, and then the duration of the type rating.
Then, once the TR is complete, there is a delay before salary actually hits your account...
Other factors to be careful with:
You will get your base during the type rating course. This was another country for me, and relocation is at your expense.
If your given base is one where some of the training occurs, you get no accomodation there.
There are no expenses at all paid during training, so budget for that. You may have to do quite a few miles!
There is only a fixed amount of accomodation in the course. So if sims break down or whatever, then it's down to you to pay.
You will also have to buy your uniform, and pay for security checks.
Once you start, eJ reduce your salary by about £360 a month, to cover, er, training. This lasts for 6 months.
If you get a base far from home - don't bank on staff travel, you're not allowed it until 3 months have elapsed since your completion of the type rating.
I spent, in all, about £29,000. As an SFO (no loyalty bonus) I take home £2300 + £416 loan repayment a month.
Hope this clarifies!
Stu