Type Ratings ???

[Clyde]

I plan on going to school for Aviation at a local state college, However, I have looked into some of these get ratings fast schools such as Regional Airline Academy etc... It seems their main selling point is that you leave their school with a type rating. Could someone explain to me the importance of a type rating.

Also I have found some of these other schools such as Pan Am and Continental Airlines that offer type rating schooling. Would this be a good investment right out of school (ie... right out of a four year institution). How important is this type rating in the aviation industry?

Thanks for the help

The best way to get a type rating is to let the company pay for it. Some of these schools advertise for all kinds of type ratings and will make it look like it is the way to go. It isn't. Unless you interview somewhere and your class date is contingent upon getting a type-rating, it is not worth the time and money to get one.

"Could someone explain to me the importance of a type rating."
Yes. If you are going to operate as the Pilot In Command on an aircraft that weighs more than 12,500 pounds or a turbojet powered airplane, you are required to be type-rated for that specific airplane. In other words, on a Boeing 737, the captain must be type-rated but the first officer does not have to be. Your airline will provide this training for you.

"Would this be a good investment right out of school (ie... right out of a four year institution)."
No. You would be better off taking the money you would spend on a type rating and investing it into a Roth IRA or some mutual funds. Seriously, because a type rating right out of school isn't going to do anything for yoiu. Unless someone else is willing to pay for one right out of school, don't do it. Also, if you were to get a type rating, be prepared to answer questions about this airplane in an interview. Pretty easy if you are currently flying whatever you are typed in, but if you are not current or have never actually flown it, it can hinder you.

 

[typhoonpilot]

Then perhaps seek an airline in the Orient like China or Taiwan. Now, is this a sound or wise plan to you? Any comments or suggestions will be more than appreciated. Especially from someone with international flying experiences. Many thanks

Clyde is mostly correct, but there are chances in Asia for 737 typed guys. China Airlines of Taiwan is probably out of the question with your total time. They have heaps of candidates with more total time than you. They would also require you to have a 737-800 endorsement, not 737-200. I also doubt that mainland China would look at you without at least 500 hours in type. In fact, I'm not even sure they hire F.O.s there on the 737. I know there a handful of captains, one of whom posts on Flightinfo from time to time, he may know more. You might try a search for threads on flying in China to find his username and PM him. Air Asia in Malaysia is a possibility, but you would need to do a Malaysian conversion. Watch what is happening in India. They are just starting to grow and might require some expat pilots domestically in the next few years. Jet, Sahara, Kingfisher, and Air Deccan all have big plans. Jet and Sahara just got approval to fly international and will be picking up some widebodies as well. There isn't a tremendous pool of qualified pilots in India, even Air India had to let some contracts recently for their expansion. Indonesia is another place to look. Lion Air has started getting 737s and there are already lots of other operators with them. Got a two day layover there at the end of the month, I usually end up drinking with the local expat mechanics so I'll see what I can find out.

Mind you, none of what I said is an endorsement for paying for your own type. It is always better to have someone else pay for it. That takes a little more time and effort, but it builds character in the process.


TP