Most Useful Type Rating

[rickair7777]

A biz-jet type would be the way to go, citation probably.

The 737 WILL raise big flags at most airline interviews..."So, why should we hire you if southwest didn't"?

 

[340drvr]

Common concensus (previously covered on this forum) usually comes up with either CE500 or LR-JET, those two seem to encompass the most models, and the existing fleets are large in number.

 

[lawfly]

I vote for CE-500. Worked for me, but took me a while to find a position in my locale--didn't want to move. I had non-aviation self-employment available in the meantime. But once I found first jet job, I started logging jet time and it quickly led to a position which I regard as desirable. I don't think I would have gotten that pivotal first jet job without the type. Well worth the $ in my case. And I learned from the type rating course, as well. Then learned more on the job. In my case, I was coming off of an absence from professional aviation (got recurrent well before the type rating course), had the funding at that particular time, and wasn't particularly interested in the regionals.

 

[dhc8fo]

The CE500 type encompasses the Citation I, Citation II, Citation Bravo, Citation V, Citation Ultra, Citation Encore, and Citation S/II (thats the 500, 501, 550, 551, and 560).

 

[Midnight Flyer]

One of my best friends is thinking about getting a type rating when she gets her ATP to improve her credibility when she goes for interviews.

OOh, to be a woman in this male dominated industry.
Now she's already got the tools to stand out above the rest, it's up to her now.

True story: I have a friend who was hired at my airline, personally by the DO, because she was blonde and has big b00bies. She didn't even get a "real" interview like the rest of the people hired did. Eventually it caught up to her when recurrent came around, as she couldn't fly an ILS approach.

 

[jimpilot]

Corporate Pilot

One of my best friends is thinking about getting a type rating when she gets her ATP to improve her credibility when she goes for interviews. She asked what I thought the best for her to get would be. I told her a 737 type like mine (not that I used it much) would be most useful since she doesn't know if she wants to go airline, corporate, cargo or go overseas. Many airlines and some corporate and fractional operators use the 737.

Shes got 2000 hours about 500 multi, 300 turbine, no previous jet experience. She doesn't really have any desire to work for a commuter and be under house arrest (read that as reserve) for a year or two at welfare wages.

Any input into this would be great. I never gave it much thought since I kind of fell into the jobs I've had.

The advice I give folks in her position all the time is to knock on a few doors at the local airport. Try and find someone who will use her as a rent a pilot if she gets the type. Then get that type rating, and hopefully some flying time with the flight department. She will then be very employable in corporate aviation. Her type rating shows her ability and the time will show experience. She may even end up with a job in another type that the hiring company is glad to pay for, knowing she has the ability and experience.

My .02 cents

 

[Black Hawk]

The Lear or 737 would be a real handful as a first type with little jet experience. C-500 sounds right to me. Lots of companies besides Southwest fly 737's. Since Southwest requires 1000 turbine PIC too would a 737 really be a hinderance for a regional gig?

 

[SWA GUY]

WN requires 1300 PIC turbine now.