View Poll Results: Type rating?
Bought Type rating - got the job
4
66.67%
Bought Type rating - told "need time on type"
1
16.67%
You were told buy the type and get the job - but did not get a job offer anyway
1
16.67%
Voters: 6. This poll is closed
Type Rating - which type, where, why pay etc?
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Dubai, UAE
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When i paid for my TR i considered both the 737 and the A320. When i looked at doing this (Jan 06) i came to the following conclusion. The main operators of the A320 at that time were the likes of Easyjet, Monarch, First Chioce, BMed etc and i did not feel that any of those airlines were going to take a low hours guy straight onto the jet. The 737 operators were Jet2, BMIBaby, Astreus and FlyGlobespan. These had a proven history of taking low hour pilots, and so for me the decision was easy, and sure enough i ended up flying for one of these operators.
In saying this, it's quite fluid, and you do have to look at what is going on. 6 months later things were quite different. A 757 rating would have been the one to go for, as both Globespan and Jet2 were struggling to find type rated pilots. You really do have to do your research, before you commit with a large amount of cash.
I am sure where you complete a SSTR has a bearing on it too. I did mine at GECAT and in the 2 months i was there, they were completing selection for major airlines and low houred guys were landing jobs every week. They dont guarantee jobs, but they do AIM to place all pilots they train. Whilst i was there 2 guys doing an A320 rating were taken on straight to an airline. The airline literally just snapped them up. They called GECAT and asked for 2 pilots, and that was that. I had to wait 6 months for a position, but all 4 of us on my SSTR course went to the same airline.
As for a risk, well i think this sums it up. During my airline interview the Chief Pilot interviewing me asked how much i had paid for my type rating. After i told him his reply was "You should have done it with us. You could have saved yourself 5 grand", to which i replied "If i did not have the type rating i would not be sitting here". He thought for a couple of seconds and then said "That's a very good point".
In saying this, it's quite fluid, and you do have to look at what is going on. 6 months later things were quite different. A 757 rating would have been the one to go for, as both Globespan and Jet2 were struggling to find type rated pilots. You really do have to do your research, before you commit with a large amount of cash.
I am sure where you complete a SSTR has a bearing on it too. I did mine at GECAT and in the 2 months i was there, they were completing selection for major airlines and low houred guys were landing jobs every week. They dont guarantee jobs, but they do AIM to place all pilots they train. Whilst i was there 2 guys doing an A320 rating were taken on straight to an airline. The airline literally just snapped them up. They called GECAT and asked for 2 pilots, and that was that. I had to wait 6 months for a position, but all 4 of us on my SSTR course went to the same airline.
As for a risk, well i think this sums it up. During my airline interview the Chief Pilot interviewing me asked how much i had paid for my type rating. After i told him his reply was "You should have done it with us. You could have saved yourself 5 grand", to which i replied "If i did not have the type rating i would not be sitting here". He thought for a couple of seconds and then said "That's a very good point".
Join Date: Feb 2006
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if you choose to go for a type rating (I don't recommend it, see below), do it in a big school like flight safety, CAE,...
these TRTO are regularly contacted by airlines to provide pilots and have contract with them.You pay little bit more, but they can help you, and will tell you where to apply.
in 6 months-1 year, airlines will be short of type rated pilots.If you are in your 20-30yo, why pay for a type rating?.
these TRTO are regularly contacted by airlines to provide pilots and have contract with them.You pay little bit more, but they can help you, and will tell you where to apply.
in 6 months-1 year, airlines will be short of type rated pilots.If you are in your 20-30yo, why pay for a type rating?.
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Nice to hear you got a job out of your TR Avrodamo.
Though I must confess to being somewhat of an advocate of the SSTR (as long as it's affordable) I do also know of one chap who got his TR and then waited for quite some time before getting a break. Admittedly this was a couple of years ago, nevertheless SSTR isn't a guaranteed route for everyone and though it helps get you further up the queue it can still be long wait from that point onwards. Maybe it's personality that factors into it too and you need to be a nice all round character or simply just in the wrong place at the wrong time as far as recruitment is concerned.
However one thing I do find alarming is the number of people who resign their jobs which simply compounds the risk further. If you can get through the mill gaining your JAR exams and the subsequent CPL/IR why do people leave their jobs at a drop of the hat? At least attempt to negogiate some unpaid leave from work or 'work from home', surely try something to hang onto your job and don't become so mesmerised by the fictional prospect of immediate employment post SSTR. Plan ahead of time there's more chance of other parties agreeing when they have ample notice and if not then you know where you stand ahead of schedule and not some last minute surprise.
Though I must confess to being somewhat of an advocate of the SSTR (as long as it's affordable) I do also know of one chap who got his TR and then waited for quite some time before getting a break. Admittedly this was a couple of years ago, nevertheless SSTR isn't a guaranteed route for everyone and though it helps get you further up the queue it can still be long wait from that point onwards. Maybe it's personality that factors into it too and you need to be a nice all round character or simply just in the wrong place at the wrong time as far as recruitment is concerned.
However one thing I do find alarming is the number of people who resign their jobs which simply compounds the risk further. If you can get through the mill gaining your JAR exams and the subsequent CPL/IR why do people leave their jobs at a drop of the hat? At least attempt to negogiate some unpaid leave from work or 'work from home', surely try something to hang onto your job and don't become so mesmerised by the fictional prospect of immediate employment post SSTR. Plan ahead of time there's more chance of other parties agreeing when they have ample notice and if not then you know where you stand ahead of schedule and not some last minute surprise.
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Well I do have a fallback plan in place for when I finally get the cash together and take the plunge to do my training. Being an LGV driver means that I can work once I've completed training and start to service some of the debt I've managed to rack up.
For any wannabes who are thinking about what to do if the phone call doesn't come the moment you qualify then perhaps look at taking at least your class 2 (Category C) licence. It might not pay as much as flying but most agencies will pay you between £8 - £10 per hour... Just a thought.
For any wannabes who are thinking about what to do if the phone call doesn't come the moment you qualify then perhaps look at taking at least your class 2 (Category C) licence. It might not pay as much as flying but most agencies will pay you between £8 - £10 per hour... Just a thought.
Join Date: May 2005
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A320 rating + Time on type?
I am also considering a type rating on either the 737 or A320, I have done some research and can find plenty of TRTO who offer 737 and 50/100hours on type. I havent found one yet that does A320 +100 hours? A320 is my preference, anybody got any suggestions?
Join Date: Feb 2001
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Yes, definately good to have a plan B.
Actually, the mentioned 747 rating would most certainly give you a job, even FAA would do (making this under USD10 000). Have a look at AAI threads on here.
737 worked for me, plenty of jobs around right now, but try to get hours on type with the rating... Maybe worth checking Wizzair too...
good luck! IP
Actually, the mentioned 747 rating would most certainly give you a job, even FAA would do (making this under USD10 000). Have a look at AAI threads on here.
737 worked for me, plenty of jobs around right now, but try to get hours on type with the rating... Maybe worth checking Wizzair too...
good luck! IP
Join Date: Dec 2002
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firstly i would agree with some of the posters, buying a SSTR with no job offer is a big risk. Secondly if you are going to buy one why is it you only talk about B737/A320.....surely if you have no commercial time, this includes instructors why wouldnt you think about a Turbo Prop TR. More operators and they are always willing to take on new to type pilots with low hours.
I was 32, had 1200 hrs TT, was a PPL instructor for 18months...and had to decide....be a CPL/IR FI or SSTR.
14 months ago I did an ATR TR, spent 2-3months still instructing waiting for a job and bingo, RHS and very nice too. Now yes there are people who will wait less or longer after a TR course, but that is the luck of the draw.
I hated having to pay for the course but have no regrets now, as i approach those 500hrs multi crew hours to get my green book.
My point being, widen your field of vision....yes we all like the idea of a nice shiny jet, but hey getting your hands dirty flying a well kitted TP is not a bad way to gain some experience.
Best of luck with the choice
I was 32, had 1200 hrs TT, was a PPL instructor for 18months...and had to decide....be a CPL/IR FI or SSTR.
14 months ago I did an ATR TR, spent 2-3months still instructing waiting for a job and bingo, RHS and very nice too. Now yes there are people who will wait less or longer after a TR course, but that is the luck of the draw.
I hated having to pay for the course but have no regrets now, as i approach those 500hrs multi crew hours to get my green book.
My point being, widen your field of vision....yes we all like the idea of a nice shiny jet, but hey getting your hands dirty flying a well kitted TP is not a bad way to gain some experience.
Best of luck with the choice
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Hardcase, that's an interesting perspective you highlighted with reference to the Turboprop. However as a matter of interest which providers facilitate TP training? Of course I know of numerous organisations relating to B737/A320 but few if any spring to mind regarding Turboprops.
Anyway congratulations on gaining employment, enjoy....
Anyway congratulations on gaining employment, enjoy....
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Interesting thread. Similar position myself; considering the various options, and have also been given the advice that a TR on it's own is not hugely useful.
There are various schemes out there (sigmar, storm, etc), and more appear to be being set up, whereby you pay for the TR and time on type. These arrangements cost about £10-14k more than just the TR (of course, you're paying to fly a commercial flight...but that's beside the point
).
Now, the thought goes, would it not be cheaper to offer ones services for free for 150h (say) rather than actually have to pay for the flying? it seems logical to me, and I'd frankly be happy to do it - probationary period and all that - but I was wondering how to go about it? Any ideas?
OL
There are various schemes out there (sigmar, storm, etc), and more appear to be being set up, whereby you pay for the TR and time on type. These arrangements cost about £10-14k more than just the TR (of course, you're paying to fly a commercial flight...but that's beside the point
).Now, the thought goes, would it not be cheaper to offer ones services for free for 150h (say) rather than actually have to pay for the flying? it seems logical to me, and I'd frankly be happy to do it - probationary period and all that - but I was wondering how to go about it? Any ideas?
OL
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Hardcase
Its not a matter of a big shiney jet, not for me anyway. Its a simple case of there are more A320/737 than any other A/C. The more operators there are the more jobs there are. I'm already sending CVs (400) with the offer to self fund type, the only people to respond are the jet operators. Go figure!
Be proud and unemployed or pay for the rating and work, sorry I've got bills to pay.
Be proud and unemployed or pay for the rating and work, sorry I've got bills to pay.
Join Date: Dec 2005
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I agree most airliners are somewhat dirty and mucky to say the least, throw a bucket of water on 'em
Isn't image a big thing in the airline world....? Nor can it be doing much good for the performance figures
Okay back to the thread.
Isn't image a big thing in the airline world....? Nor can it be doing much good for the performance figures
Okay back to the thread.
Join Date: May 2007
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Reduced TRTO
Dear all,
It mentions in Lasors 2007 that '....they will be required to complete an approved JAA type rating course and if applicable, the course may be reduced to take into account any previous experience on the same type upon recommendation from the Head of Training of the TRTO to PLD'
Section G1.5
If for instance a guy has 300 hours on a B747, how much of a TRTO course will he need to do before he can get the rating added to his JAA licence?
Has anyone been in this postion before to tell me how lenient the UK CAA were in terms of reducing the length of the course?
It mentions in Lasors 2007 that '....they will be required to complete an approved JAA type rating course and if applicable, the course may be reduced to take into account any previous experience on the same type upon recommendation from the Head of Training of the TRTO to PLD'
Section G1.5
If for instance a guy has 300 hours on a B747, how much of a TRTO course will he need to do before he can get the rating added to his JAA licence?
Has anyone been in this postion before to tell me how lenient the UK CAA were in terms of reducing the length of the course?
