Self Funding Type Rating
 

First of all I was not quite sure which Forum to post this in but no doubt the Mods will move it if necessary.

I am an experienced professional pilot with 14,000 hrs, circa 9,000 hrs on jets (B737 Classic/NG and A320) and a training captain for 10 years or so.

I have been out of airline flying for ten years following a family bereavement and the need to provide child care. Now the kids are grown up and I want to get back into the airlines again. (By the way, I have kept my licence going with light aircraft instruction). I have made quite a few applications but without any success yet.

I am now considering self funding the renewal of either my B737 or A320 type rating. Question: Is it worth the money/risk to do this given that I am not guaranteed a job at the end of the process and also which aircraft to go for? Also anyone know the best agency to go to (in the UK) to renew the type rating - as I have not flown the types for 5 years I will have to complete the whole conversion course again.

I am 55 years old, fit and healthy, and reckon I have at least another ten years flying left in me. Whilst I would doubtless be a little "rusty" at first I think going back to the airlines would be like meeting an old friend again. I would be over the moon to get back into the airlines again so again advice anyone has got would be most welcome.

I can imagine your anxiety; however I must say that it is going to be extremely difficult.
Companies use all sort of excuses to say no to current and qualified pilots.
Get ready, for answers like: Sorry you are over qualified for us…
Or, sorry you are not qualified we are looking for people who flew the aircraft on the last sis months.
When I was flying outside Europe, I was always looking to come back, now I am here and to discover this is a serious disappointment, everything is done in a way to exploit the pilot.
Airlines do everything to force a pilot to pay for his own typerating, REGARDLES the fact if they sponsor him, they will have a full tax rebate.
I do not feel in a position to give you an advice; however it seems to me that if you try your luck outside of “the very civilized European skies” :hmm: perhaps you have a chance, at least one.

Good Luck

Mercurius

Although I am totally against funding type ratings,it seems a real shame that somebody with your experience is struggling to find a job.The "too old" argument is rubbish in this case since you don't find many 14000hr 25year old training captains!
There is a pilot shortage but from what I hear the main problem is a lack of experienced pilots to train all of the 200hr f/o's.
I don't think you should have to pay however!

Good Luck.:ok: