B737 Type rating

[sgu]

How are most people paying for the type? I unfortunately do not have the $$ on hand to pay so I am debating using 0% int credit card or going to a bank for a student loan. Any advice to a SWA wannabe?

 

[P3 Tweek]

737 type financing

SGU,

I believe you are on the right track. Most of us out here had to come up with creative ways to finance the B-737 Type Rating. I borrowed against my 401K and have almost recovered the cost in a year. I know some that have done financing from a low/no interest CC or refinanced a mortgage. I'm sure there are many other creative ways to get the funds for the type rating.

Good luck. I hope that someday we are fortunate enough to be team members flying those beautiful `canyon blue' 737's.

Tweek

 

[Gumshoe]

If they don't give you a chance at an interview, It will look great on your license. I put mine on a credit line on my house.

Jaded and frustrated,
Gumshoe

 

[SCT]

What does a 737 type go for now days?

 

[CUEBOAT]

Does SWA care what series the 737 type you buy/have. I have seen 737 types for less than $6000, but it wasnt for an 800 series thats for sure.

 

[SkiMoguls]

Getting your type...first very important step

Cost isn't everything and anyone considering getting the type should weigh the importance of who knows who and so on. But it ultimately comes down to your attitude, personality, and how well you show that you "fit" into the "Southwest" spirit during your interview, if you don't clam up that is. The interviewers all know that this is a huge deal for everyone and make you feel very comfortable so that they can get to know you, but you are on your way by getting the type for sure. All the applicants when I interviewed all had their types. Including the military guys.

For schools I would recommend Higher Power only because someone from the Southwest People department comes every Friday to personally talk to the class. It is an open session where you can have many of your questions answered, like "What are you looking for in an applicant?" and they'll tell you exactly what you have to show them! That has proven invaluable for me because the person who came to Higher Power that Friday when I was going through, just happened to be one of my interviewers!

Be prepared and practice your stories before you go for the interview, but getting the type is the first step. Make your own choices and remember that going the cheapest aint necessarily the way to go.

 

[bafanguy]

sgu,


As for paying for it, there is a state gov program called WIA, WIC, WIsomething that will pay for a chunk of the training cost. I think one must be unemployed to get in on it, but I'M NOT THE ONE TO ASK. I've seen people mention a lady at Higher Power Aviation who is well-versed in this program. Call them and see what they say. Every comment I've seen re HPA has been positive...that must mean something. Good luck to you.

 

[iflyhigh]

To All:

The funds that were available under the Workforce Development ACT, or (WIA), was for laid off pilots. The amount each state would cover for a type rating varied. California would sometimes pay the whole bill, while Nevada, Illinois and a few others would only provide about $6000. A vast majority of states would not provide any funds for pilots to get type ratings. In Illinois it was becoming harder to get funds for the 737 type, since alot of pilots were getting them and not finding jobs. The funds were set aside after 9/11 to help pilots get jobs, consequently when pilots with 737 type ratings were not getting jobs, it was hurting others pilots that were later furloughed.

I don't know of anyone recently using the WIA funds. But if things have changed please post.

iflyhigh

 

[328dude]

www.cel.org