Type Rating - A320
 

Hi did post this on the questions forum but only had 1 reply.
I am thinking of trying to move from the regional airline I work for now to a jet airline and was wondering how diificult is the A320 rating, I hear it is about the toughest rating you can do.

I would like to hear feedback from people who have done it and know what part did you have problems with and how does the exam compare with say the ATPL's

Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure of your experience now, but if you have had any with EFIS and a FMS you shouldn't have much trouble. Biggest problem is learning the lingo of the A320. The biggest problem most people have had is that they try to relate the aircraft to something they already know. It doesn't work that way with the A320 or related family of aircraft. If you decide to go that route, when you get into training, just forget about all the other aircraft you flew. Learn the language of Airbus and you will probably do fine. I've got over 8000 hrs in the A320 and A321, and the hardest thing I've done is go back to a Boeing 737.

When I did my A320 course it was my first jet rating having come from piston twins and a bit of turboprop time. I cannot say if it is harder than a rating on a Boeing but I found it relatively straight forward. The hardest (and most time consuming) part for me was trying get some sense out of the manuals (FCOMs). I particularly enjoyed, coming from traditional cockpits, the vast amount of information given to me by the EFIS and FMGS. This coupled with Airbus' flight control system made instrument scanning and what little hand flying we get to do, much simpler than I had expected. All in all a wonderful machine and it is a great rating to have...so if you get a chance to do one, I wouldn't think twice.

I've just completed the A340 type rating, which is all but identical. The Computer Based Training for the written exams is mind-bendingly awful. Three or four different variations of an American/French accent (in no logical order) lull you to sleep through all of the technical subjects. You will get very fed up with hearing 'You are ze pilot non-flying. You are in ze cruise, everysing is normal. Click on ze arrow to activate ze failure....' Some subjects I swear I sleep-clicked through!

Inevitably, the exams bear little relation to the CBT (I believe many topics examined were not featured at all), but you'll find most things in the FCOMs. You may be searching for some time, however, as they aren't easy to read - especially if there are different standards of aircraft within the fleet you're training for.

Assuming you carry out the Airbus syllabus, you will also need around 55-60 hours of simulator. Each sim trip follows a fairly rigidly laid down structure, with little time for repeats, unscheduled demonstrations, or much in the way of consolidation. This is what I believe would lead to suggestions of it being a difficult course. It is so totally different an approach to aviation that few professional pilots would be satisfied with the level of knowledge the course gives them. It's actually OK, but it's difficult to feel confident when you're in such a new environment!

I guess you won't be looking for a deal that includes line training! I also assume that whatever course you find will have a Cat D simulator which allows you to qualify without any airborne training.

As many here will know, I have little time for self-sponsored type ratings for wannabes, but for a pilot with significant commercial experience behind him, they may have a place. However, all UK airlines carry out their own training, or sub-contrct it to others, and are unlikely to be impressed by a rating without line time. Still, it's your money. Best of luck!

Thanks for the feed back.

Scroggs thank's for the advice but I don't think you read my post correctly or I did not type it correctly.

I have no intention of ever paying for a type rating and never suggested in my previous post that I was, it's just a friend of mine who is a captain with one of the major carriers has informed me that his company shall be recruiting a small number of people for the A320 and he is a good friend of the chief pilot and will put a word in for me.

I have commercial experience as I said in my post I fly for a regional airline on a turbo prop and am now thinking of trying to seek employment with a jet operator. I share the same view as yourself, self sponsored type ratings generally will not help you gain employment without any line time.

CC747
sorry, mate, I obviously misread your post. I copied the regional experience, but assumed you were looking to make yourself more employable. In fact, my last point was that pilots with significant commercial experience (and I would include regionals in that) may, in certain circumstances, benefit from speculative ratings.

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. Actually, I didn't answer your last question: no, it's not as difficult as the ATPL. I'm enjoying the 'Bus after many years in Yank metal - I'm sure you will too.

Cheers Scroggs and thanks for the feedback people..:D

A320 Type Rating??
 

Anyone up for it????


http://www.gecat.com/self.asp

Sorry but I pay the airline between 5 -7000 to fly thier aicraft without employment.....nah not for me!

Cleared 24R,

This is avery high risk strategy.I speak from experience, a friend of mine paid £12000 for a 737 rating many years ago and ended up without a job Airlines are loath to employ somebody who has paid for their own Type rating on a sophisticated aeroplane. Use the search function to check previous postings.
I have had a quick glance at your previous postings and see that you have considered buying a shed rating which is probably less risky.
Leave your email address and I will contact you and I may be able to give you an idea of the way to get that elusive job.Remember that it is not what you know it is who you know.:D :D :D

CAP509,

Cheers mate, my emails - [email protected]

Type-rating Airbus 320
 

Hello,


Thinking about doing a type-rating course on the Airbus 320.
Somebody any idea where the best to go?
Is it attractive to do it for example in USA and then convert it back to JAR?
Any "cheap" :ugh: type-rating courses in Europe?
Let me know please!!!

Greeeetz

:)

A320 Type Rating
 

Can anyone out there give any pointers, albeit it first hand experience or third party stories as to different training schools about the place whom offer the A320 Type rating which can then be put on the FAA ATP(A).
Europe/US/Canada or anywhere in between...
I'm doing some window shopping of note and would appreciate any advice...
Cheers!

A320 Type Rating
 

Any pointers would be much appreciated!
Thanks

Type Rating - A320
 

Hey friends,

I'm trying to find a school for A320 Type rating +IOE.
I heard some Airline companies in Asia do offer that deal? Any input would be appreciated.


Jet :ok:

HEY

VISITED SCHOOLS IN MADRID AND AEROMADRID OFFER TYPE RATING COURSES ON A320 NICE SCHOOL AND YA ALSO HAVE THE GOOD WEATHER!!

GOOD LUCK!
:=

weston150
 

what about IOE exp......I'm looking for 500 hrs. line experience!! Do they offere it?


Jet:ok:

Jet Joc Im afreid that they do not offer that.

:ok:

Try here

http://www.jac-academy.com/a320.htm

Hmmm JAC academy, now where have i heard of them before. Try doing a search on this website to find previous treads on them before you go doing anything silly.:hmm:

hey jet joc

Try eaglejet .... they offer many programs, including type rating on Airbus.... there is a program that offer time on airbus A319/320/321 (all three type) for under $20000 for 100 hrs(european base), $32500 for 300hrs (southeast asia/pacific bases)

P.s. I do not work for them, I am on a program with them, that's all.

jetjockey696