737 Type Rating Questions

[LoveGun]

Hello All,

Sorry if these are questions covered in earlier threads.

I am seriously considering getting a 737 type this september. Right now, I have my stuff in at AirTran, JB, F9, LUV, and AWA. I'd kill to work at any of these carriers, but Southwest is one of my top choices. I am wondering how the 737 type rating will affect my chances of getting hired at a carrier other than Southwest. Will any of these other great carriers not like that I paid for a type that makes it look like Southwest is my top choice?

Also, what are my chances of getting an interview at Southwest? Right now, I have a little over 4000 TT and 1500 turbine PIC. I have no internal references. I have heard or read that southwest has only 900 resumes from guys with 737 types and they are currently interviewing 100 a month. If this is true, I could get an interview within 9 months with a type?? That sounds overly optimistic to me. Do you know what percentage of piloits interviewed actually get a job offer?

Getting a type seems like a gigantic gamble, but if it gives me a reasonable chance at an interview and job offer I think I will go for it.

Thanks for any advice and sorry again for visiting a tired old subject.

 

[Skybound737]

...Still waiting for a call myself. I got the type at K & S Aviation in PHX. My total time is about 5,700, 3 type ratings and about 2100 turbine PIC. I hear they like to see about 100 hours of turbine for every year you are old but dont know the truth to this. I highly reccomend K & S if you plan on gettng the type. Check them out online.

 

[Cheesemo]

I do interviews at SWA. Lovegun, your hours are competitive w/ or w/o a type rating. However, SWA will interview typed applicants primarily (not exclusively) first. I believe other threads here indicate a 90ish% type/notype ratio. Bottom line is: If SWA is your top choice, get the type rating. If SWA is just one of a number, and you don't mind waiting, don't get it. It was simple for me, I wanted to work at SWA; I got the type, end of discussion.

As far as where to get one. SWA doesn't care despite what you might here on this site. Higher Power is a good company and is a hometown (for SWA) company. I got mine at Flight Training International in Denver; they were great. Get it where it's cheapest and where you might have someplace to stay cheap (friend, parents, etc)!

Cheers

 

[CRJ Driver]

Still waiting.....4000+ turbine pic, over 2000 jet pic.

 

[Beer&Brauts]

I also got my type at FTI and highly recommend them.

Still (patiently) waiting for the call - about 5400 TT, 1600 PIC turb

 

[Falconjet]

Get the type

Very simple (to me anyway): Get the type if there is any way you can afford it. I got mine at CPT in Houston, which was competitive price-wise and worked best for me time-wise. I spent an extra year in the pool by waiting 3 months to get my type, big mistake.

Get the type!

FJ

 

[chase]

I posted this back in May when someone else asked the same question, nothing has changed in my opinion.
_________

SWA doesn't care what version of the 737 you get your type in so choose whatever program suits you best. I work at SWA & know many who have had both & the selection process has zero to do with that. In terms of training & if it is easier once hired, most folks can't recall much anyway so again your decision on schools should be based on other factors in my opinion.

K&S do a great job from all reports. Run by two SWA Capts w/SWA flows. Haven't been there but their reputation is good.

Higher Power Aviation (HPA) I'll caveat it by saying I work there on occasion & have nothing but high praise for Mark, Joe & their group of instructors. I will highlight some things they offer that sets them apart.

1. It isn't just a type school. It is a place that you will meet folks, have relationships with & will continue to stay in touch with years after leaving. They are much more than a type school.

2. Southwest folks do come out periodically to HPA to talk about the hiring process & other aspects about flt ops. This goes on during most classes & can be useful in getting some questions answered from the folks who know. Southwest chooses candidates from all type schools (I got mine from neither of these places but would recommend HPA over my other school with no reservations!).

3. Followup training & job search. Mark & Joe allow not just HPA grads but any SWA new hire to audit their course for free at anytime. Folks who have been out of the plane for awhile & wish to come early & review the systems before starting SWA ground school are encouraged to take advantage of this great deal. Job search. HPA puts out a 6 times a year newsletter via e-mail/web that provides great info on airlines/flight operations hirings for pilot openings. I know of no one other than Air Inc that does that.

4. Quality training bar none. For exmilitary guy like me, I needed that. Yes I prepared but the instructors are first rate (except for me) so it will match or exceed anything you had in the military in my opinion.

Private message me if you have further questions. glad to help, as an ex-mud driver I appreciate the callsign, good luck
__________________
chase

to see the entire thread go here:

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=30225&highlight=737+type+schools

good luck

 

[LoveGun]

Cheesemo and Chase,

Thanks for the excelent information. Southwest is my #1 choice. The stability, crew base locations, and culture are exactly what I am looking for. However, I am afraid to spend the big dollars on a type without knowing for sure what my chances are of getting an interview once typed. Do you have any idea how many pilots SWA is planning on hiring over the next 2 years? Also, what percentage of folks interviewed get offered a job? Give me some piece of mind please.

I'm really close to calling Higher Power. I have vacation next month and I'll probably have a week or two off in September while I wait for CRJ ground school here at PSA. I'm kind of excited about getting the Type. It's one of the few proactive things I feel I can do to help my career. A few of my buddies have gone through the higher power program and they highly recomended it.

One last question... Do you think I'll lose my mind if I get two type ratings in two months? CRJ and 737. My brain could explode.

 

[328dude]

Love:

I had the same concern before I went down in March. You'll have a blast and not be to stressed out.

We have probably already talked, but PM me if you need the skinny at HPA.

Looking forward to our sit on the beach,. but it won't be as long as I thought.
Plan accordingly.

Later

 

[llowwelll]

I wish I had some kind of inside information for you as to how SWA determines who they call in for interviews. Unfortunately, I don't. I can only empathize with your position as you are trying to decide whether or not it is worth it to go ahead and do the type rating course. It is a lot of money.

I did go ahead and get the type rating. Right now I have about 3200 TT and 1100 PIC and have had my app in since Jan of this year. I have not gotten the call yet. I'm just throwing that info out in case it may be helpful in giving you an idea of what kind of people are and are not getting the call. I'm keeping my fingers way crossed.

I went to Higher Power for the type rating and highly recommend them if you decide to go ahead and get the type. It was great training and all of the instructors and staff there are outstanding people. They send study materials out ahead of time which gives you a chance to prepare before you arrive. I'm lucky I did because I ended up deathly sick with fever, flu, bronchitis, and a trip to the hospital during the week of ground school. Hopefully, you'll be luckier than I.

 

[chase]

If you've made the decision that SWA is where you ultimately want to be I would strongly recommend getting the type. Yes I know the folks at HPA very well, gr eat folks & yes I already have a job at Southwest & don't have to contend with the risk of getting turned down. However as I have said many times:

1. Getting the type is something you do have control over. While it doesn't guarantee a job, it will increase your chances of getting the call for an interview since they are interviewing more folks with types than those without. Is that enough of a reason to spend $8K? No. Here's more.

2. SWA is where you want to be & you honestly believe you have the type personality & mindset to work there, then get the type. This isn't about whether you get hired the first time through or not, one's chances depends on many variables; experience, PIC time, total time, recommendations, good job recommendations, a reasonably clean background, a positively outstanding attitude, & many more. All of these things don't need to be 100% but you need to be honest with yourself & determine how you stack up. If you're competitive & feel confident, then SWA can be your destiny if you're willing to stick it out. It may not happen the first time, many get turned down...it may not happen the 2nd tiime either...if you can't deal with failure & arent willing to come back for another try, then the investment may not be worth it. I recommend getting they type if you are willing to do what it takes (& can be honest with yourself about your self & your career potential with SWA).

3. Getting a type may & often does open up doors to many other carriers (some not even in existance yet) that use the 737....that can never be bad, particularly in this day & age. Doing it at HPA introduces you into a network of folks that in my opinion is quite extensive & rewarding....you get much more than a type by going there & joining the "fraternity" of HPA grads. This isn't about the money but if you think it is, then please do what is best for you.

If I've come across as some jr psychologist then my aplogies. Folks do get turned down at SWA & some even several times and never make it past the interview or the decision board....that is life in the real world & I know that. I'm sure there are folks who are good folks, SWA type folks & have tried repeatedly & couldn't get on here...that isn't a statement about the individual or SWA...both are still good individuals, however, I have run into very few of those folks & many more folks who have not given up on their dream & have left no stone unturned to improve their chances (even after multiple failures) of getting hired & did.

I wish you good luck in your quest, God Bless,

 

[SWA GUY]

Don't go to Aero Services, Inc. in Miami for any reason. Unless of course you want to teach your own groundschool, simulator, and then get jacked around by those morons.

Danger Will Rogers!!!!!

HC

 

[TXPILOT03]

I went to HPA last Aug. I got the type along with two friends. Two of us have interviewed and got the job. The other is still waiting on the call to interview.

Yes, it was a gamble. But for me Southwest was the only place I wanted to go. I felt that the risks were worth the reward.

Lets hope the last friend gets the call soon. He is a Southwest guy all the way.