TolTol,
I think you have missed the point. – Oh, and I’m not qualified either, but who said that you have to wait until you’ve received the blue book before you can contact airlines?
Nobody, and I mean nobody can go from Zero to Hero…. I think too many “wannabes” forget this.
This is not a slagging match, it is supposed to be an informed discussion about the pros and cons for buying a type rating.
Comments such as “I just know that every newly qualified pilot that I know are paying for their own type rating, it sucks but that’s the way it is if you want that right-hand seat bad enough.” does not help. Why not do a little back ground work of your own. You’re not a lemming are you? So why jump with the rest?
You do have an option. Don’t pay. Find an airline that may well bond you for a length of time, or at least one that gives you some degree of respect.
Rgds.