Does it really matter where you do your Type Rating?

[lcr2011]

Hi Guys,

I am very flexible and happy to work anywhere in the world, does not have to be europe, uk or usa, so does it really matter where you do your type rating in order to land a job?

What is the price range one would be looking at for B737-800 type rating?

what is the bare minimum that a regional airline looks for in thier applicant pilots?

and finally what are the most crucial points regional airlines look for in their pilots?

[Wilton Shagpile]

Hi - I can't answer your questions about type ratings (except to say that a normal airline will do it for you) but as for the other stuff, the "bare minimum" would be to be human, less than 65 years of age and have the required licence / medical.

Clearly though, there will be many other people who meet these requirements, so you'll need to do something else. It all depends - some airlines may insist you've done all your training at one flying school, others won't care. Some will need to recruit for a certain demographic e.g. people with enough hours for an early command or people with low hours who won't be ready for a few years. Different recruiters have different hot buttons too - some may like graduates, others not. Some may like people who've passed all tests first time, others may not care.

However, when you get to the interview, they will probably look for somebody who has a high degree of emotional maturity, who will fit in to the job without upsetting or irritating anybody, who appears that they may make a good commander one day and who most people would find pleasant company down route.

[Bealzebub]

Most airlines will expect that you have a type rating because you have already been flying that type with another company. Those airlines that are type rating training organisations (TRTO's) will provide their own course of training on the type concerned. Being type rated with no relevant experience would not usually be attractive to many airlines simply because there is so little input or verification with your training profile. This is why you will often find airlines either require a minimum level of laid down experience, or source cadets from affiliated, verifiable and full time training organisations.

It is also worth bearing in mind that airlines are not looking for the "bare minimum", they are looking for the "best available." The advertisement will often stipulate the minimum expected requirements to be considered for interview. The interview is the opportunity to then sell yourself, in order to be shortlisted for the next stage. Wilton has already suggested the sort of attributes most companies would be looking for.

Like most people they are looking for the best quality at the price offered. There is no shortage of good quality, and that is where you should focus.

[BigNumber]

There is an increasing trend toward the contracting out of pilotage. Pilots being recruited, paid by and retained under contract by an appointed agency.

Examples would be Parc, Zenon and CTC.

If you believe that this practice might continue and even expand then hours on type are a must. Thus, if you feel compelled to purchase a rating then also buy some line hours. 500+ is an absolute minimum.

Good luck.

[lcr2011]

Sorry for the late reply guys, and Thanks for the advice. :)