Dear ATP Family,
I am looking forward to start flight training soon and was wondering if getting a type rating on something such as a320, b737 or a 777 is going to give you more “points” when trying to apply for the majors after a regional job?
I just want to assess everything and get all the advice I can before I begin and is this shortage going to last for the coming years?
Kevin,
No help whatsoever. In fact it would probably work against you. I’ve participated in hiring at both my airlines and if I were looking at your resume and saw a Boeing or Airbus type rating (particularly with no time in type) I’d be scratching my head. I’d probably think you either a) were hired and fired from another airline which is never good, b) assume you had wayyyy too much money and are just trying to impress people with it or c) literally had no understanding of how the industry works and would seriously question your judgement.
Major airlines hire skilled, experienced pilots with solid recommendations from their peers. Buying a type rating doesn’t demonstrate any of those qualities.
Adam
Wow so in a way it could harm you more than benefit. I didn’t think of it from that angle. Thanks for the input Adam !
Also, I applied for my first class medical which was deferred due to a past anxiety issue which has been resolved since last year and it was very brief and short and I don’t take any medications for it. I sent all letters from my doc to clear it up and it says I do not take anything for it and it’s resolved. Will I get a 1st class or be denied forever ?
Kevin
Kevin,
I nor anyone on this forum can tell you what will pass or what won’t. You’ll need to talk to your AME.
Adam
Will do sir. Just worried if they’ll deny it because of a small past in college.
Kevin,
No. Please save your money and do not get any type ratings. The airlines will train you for the aircraft you are going to fly. You will have already proved yourself at the regionals and will have a type rating from whatever you were flying there.
Chris
Kevin,
Your medical could be denied, it might not. If it is denied, there are specialist FAA doctors that can help you work through such issues.
Chris
Chris,
I realized getting a type rating will only burden the loan amounts and possibly recruiters will judge my choices as Adam mentioned. I’ll stick to whatever comes my way at the airlines.
Thanks!
Kevin
Hopefully it will not be denied as I still have to get my private license but I believe ATP wants you to have a first class before beginning?
Yes, you need a first class certificate before starting ATP’s program. There is little point to doing the program if you are not able to obtain the first class.
Kevin,
Yes ATP requires a First Class but there are plenty of flight schools who don’t. That’s not the issue. The issue is if you can’t get a First Class medical you cannot be an airline pilot nor qualify for many other top flying positions.
Adam
Adam,
I have decided to wait for a response from the FAA. I sent them letters from my doctors clearing me and hopefully they will accept that my issues are resolved and that I am not on any medications as of now.
On a side note Adam, for someone like me at the age of 20 would hiring be an issue say 2 years from now? What I mean by that is like, I know there is a lot of noise about a global pilot shortage and many people have gotten to majors now and are continuing which is the ultimate goal of many pilots. Hopefully in 2-3 years I will have my hours and get to the regionals but is this shortage expected to last for a while like for someone starting out to train now even tho I have to formally enroll?
Thank you for any opinions!
Kevin,
No one has a crystal ball, but the shortage is predicted to continue for the next two decades. 2022-28 is supposed to be the peak of the pilot shortage. You can keep track of the mandatory retirements on www.airlinepilotcentral.com.
Tory
Thank you Tory I will look more into that website.
AOPA has 2 higher memberships that include Medical Advice and Protections.
I always recommend AOPA because they are 100% your advocate. While an FAA AME is required to report anything you tell them to the FAA.