Self Funding Type Rating
First of all I was not quite sure which Forum to post this in but no doubt the Mods will move it if necessary.
I am an experienced professional pilot with 14,000 hrs, circa 9,000 hrs on jets (B737 Classic/NG and A320) and a training captain for 10 years or so.
I have been out of airline flying for ten years following a family bereavement and the need to provide child care. Now the kids are grown up and I want to get back into the airlines again. (By the way, I have kept my licence going with light aircraft instruction). I have made quite a few applications but without any success yet.
I am now considering self funding the renewal of either my B737 or A320 type rating. Question: Is it worth the money/risk to do this given that I am not guaranteed a job at the end of the process and also which aircraft to go for? Also anyone know the best agency to go to (in the UK) to renew the type rating - as I have not flown the types for 5 years I will have to complete the whole conversion course again.
I am 55 years old, fit and healthy, and reckon I have at least another ten years flying left in me. Whilst I would doubtless be a little "rusty" at first I think going back to the airlines would be like meeting an old friend again. I would be over the moon to get back into the airlines again so again advice anyone has got would be most welcome.