Over a year unemployed, renew ratings?

[felixthecat]

Over a year unemployed now, ‘ex’ Middle East long haul skipper.
Realistically what are peoples thoughts on renewing ratings? Money is tight and £1500+ for a renewal is something I could do without.

[BWSBoy6]

Close relative employed by LoCo and unsure of future, not flown for 15 months but took the view that it was still worth being current - as he felt when things start moving, they will move fast, so he wanted to be prepared. Renewed licence and medical in the last fortnight.

[Kelly Hopper]

What renewal is 1500 pounds?

[krismiler]

How determined are you to fly again ?
Realistically, what are your prospects when taking into account age, type rating and willingness to relocate ?
What is your licensing authority’s position regarding lapsed ratings ?
Are you in line for a recall when things pick up ?

Probably worth doing this year but having a long hard look if still unemployed in 12 months time.

[PilotLZ]

krismiler very much summed it up. Where do you see yourself when things start picking up, whether that's in late 2021, 2022 or beyond that? What future do you see for your aircraft type? If it's a twin, they mostly seem to have a bright future mid-to-long term, if it's a quad - not so much. Will you be looking for a job similar to your last one or are you considering short-haul on a different type or business aviation?

I think that if you're committed to flying once again, you'd be best off revalidating the type rating. At least you will have a valid IR, even if your next job is on a different type.

[bazilbutler]

I'm in the same boat and while I have no prospect of finding work on my current type (330), my thinking was along the same lines as PilotLZ. I can't imagine there will be many flying jobs that don't require a valid IR before you can even apply,