Should I get a B737NG or A320 type rating?

[icelandpilot]

Hi all

I'm a ATP pilot with type ratings in Challenger 600/601 and 604/605
with 3000 hours total time and about 900 jet.

I'm thinking about getting a type rating on either the B737NG or the A320 and I need some help deciding witch one to get in regards to job possibilities.

Also has anyone gone through the Pan Am school in Maimi and is that training quality enough to get a proper job?

I'll be looking forward to your replies

Captain E

[SmilingKnifed]

I'd ask first why someone with your experience is considering paying for a rating first!

[Dufo]

I suggest getting rated in both, plus 500-hours package in A320. If both ratings are completed in one training organisation, you might get some additional free hours.

:uhoh:

[Gleavage]

Is the 737 not the most popular jet in the world? I would have thought that would be the best rating to get.

[walesregent]

I am no expert on this subject, but my friend told me that an a320 rating is relatively easily upgradable to an a340 rating, and so forth, whereas any other Boeing rating would have to be done in full, even if you had a 737 rating. I would love for someone to tell me different, but that's the story as far as I am aware.

[VJW]

I think having the 737 is an easy crossover to 777 and maybe 787 in the future ;-)

[Jerry Lee]

I'm wondering about the same thing. A320 family or 737 CL and NG Type Rating?
We have to look on the market.

I think Airbus is going better. In 2016 A320NEO will arrive.

[INNflight]

I'm wondering about the same thing. A320 family or 737 CL and NG Type Rating?
We have to look on the market.

I think Airbus is going better. In 2016 A320NEO will arrive.

:mad:

It's not even 2011 yet, forget about 2016!!!
The original poster had half a decent point as he has EXPERIENCE - even though I'd say he still should not pay for his own TR.

If you have 250 hrs and either rating, or even both, STILL NO ONE will give you a job. It's a waste of your (your parents) hard earned money!!!!!

[Brian Fantana]

Forget the A320 and 737 why not go straight into paying for an A380 rating then maybe the B787. :rolleyes:

[Airbus Girl]

If I were you I would call a few agencies and find out how the market is for newly qualified A320 or B737 pilots with minimum hours (this is presuming you are going for some package that includes 500 hours, rather than zero). In the USA I would guess at more operators having B737s than A320s, whereas in Europe there are more A320 operators than in the USA.

So....do your research.

I suspect that seeing as there are plenty of very experienced A320/B737 pilots who will need minimum training, who are currently working in the back of beyond to keep current, you might find there is rather a lot of competition and therefore may find it hard to get a job even with a rating.

Plus most (all?) operators/ agencies require you to be current on type, so factor in the cost of doing a few circuits every 6 months.

[737WJD]

737
Think BBJ