Re: Type ratings - yes or no?
to type rate or not to type rate, that is the question...whether it is nobler in the pocket book to suffer the slings and arrows (aero's :-) ) of one's fellows...
I was poor and I went the instructor route...eventually made it to 737 captain for a major airline. Am now grounded due to injury getting about half pay.
IF I WAS rich and were to do things from the start all over again:
I would 1.
buy and read: stick and rudder
fly the wing
handling the big jets
get all my pilot certificates in smaller cheaper planes, saving that money for the big stuff. I would get my ATP in a Citation. You get the type too.
Then you can get on one of those fractional ownership net jet things and build some time up. I flew the 737 and didn't think it was that great a plane.
Why not go on and get a type in something that is flown by the airline YOU want to work for.
rich buy type rating(s) realistic...do it the hard way like me. AND YOU KNOW WHAT? I think turboprops stink! (having flown: handley page MK1 Jetstream, MU2, Metroliner )
jon