Why do pilots self-sponsor type-ratings?

First of all, what is a type rating?

A type rating is a course where the pilot gets trained on how to operate a particular type of aeroplane. Before the pilots commenced on a type rating, it would be expected that the pilot already holds a pilot licence.

Why do pilots self-sponsor type ratings?

The short answer is to get a pilot job. Most self-sponsored pilots complete type ratings based on a strategic bet to get a job. Sadly pilots often have to make the investment without any job guarantee.

What is the best type rating to go for?

Pay is usually better on jets than on turboprops. As the type-rating cost is about the same, it is easy to understand why pilots tend to go for jets. On the other hand, if most pilots go for jet type-ratings the chances of getting a turboprop job may be higher. Which type-rating to go for is a tough one to make. Luck, timing, and networking can be crucial for success.

It is highly unusual to find pilots who have self-sponsored type-ratings on long-haul planes. It is not because you cannot do it but it would probably be extremely hard to find employment for a long-haul operation if you haven’t got the experience expected for a long-haul job.

When are type ratings paid for?

When you are employed with an airline, a type change (type rating) is likely to be paid by the company. Still, you may end up with a “bond”. Some employers will also offer a training bond when they hire you, depending on the situation. If you are financing your own type rating, payment is usually upfront, or in a few instalments before the training is complete.

Type rating bond

A type rating bond is an agreement where you for X amount of years will have to pay a settlement fee (for the cost of the type rating). In some cases, you only have to pay if you decide to leave the company of your own choice.

The settlement fee is usually reduced every month. For example – a training bond of 24.000 USD over 24 months. That means that every month what you have to pay if you wanted to leave gets reduced by 1000 USD. If the company for some reason makes you redundant while you have a training bond, usually you don’t have to pay.

However, there are some sad examples in our industry of the opposite. Sometimes you can get arrangements where you pay for your type-rating over your salary. Without getting too technical this can often be an advantage, in particular, if you can repay before tax.

Should I expect to self-sponsor a type rating?

It can be hard to predict what the industry is like if you start your training now. A lot can happen in the 2 years that it typically takes to become a commercial pilot. The best plan is often to plan for having to pay for a type rating after you have completed your license. That way at least you have the option.

What if I don’t complete a type rating?

If you haven’t got the financing to complete a type-rating or you of principle don’t want to pay for a type-rating, you can still get a career. Self-sponsored type-ratings is often a way for pilots to quickly get into flying and kick-start their career.

Historically pilots didn’t pay for type ratings but instead, they got flying hours by working for smaller companies and building their experience levels. Regulations in many regions have made it harder for small companies to operate. This means that finding an operator where you can build your hours can be difficult but not impossible.

Pilots are often surprised by the low salary these types of jobs pay, and often it is not those types of jobs that student pilots dream of. Still, it can be a great learning experience to fly smaller aeroplanes before you move on to the bigger ones. Not only handling-wise but maybe also attitude-wise.

Self-sponsored type rating schemes

Sometimes a self-sponsored type rating is offered in partnership with an airline. There might be a weak promise of a ”possibility of employment” at the end. Of course, it is hard to say if there is a job at the end or not. So consider these opportunities with care.

Does it matter where I complete my type rating?

Yes, it does. Some airlines will only accept your type rating if you have completed it with one of their approved partners or if you for example have 500 hours of experience on type.

Getting a type-rating cheap with a training provider can easily be a poor long-term investment if it doesn’t lead to a job. Often training providers will make it sound very promising. Again, it is a bit like most flying schools all over again. They would like you to buy their product and once you get the product (the type rating) you are on your own.

Will a type rating get me a job?

Hard to say. A type rating on itself rarely makes it possible to walk straight into employment. You should still expect to have to work hard for the opportunity for an interview. Once you are type-rated, you may have a better chance of getting some jobs but a poorer chance of getting other jobs.

A type rating opens some doors but may close others

How can that be? Well, let’s take an example. You self-sponsor a B737 rating. Then you have a 737 rating and you apply for let’s say a businessjet job or a turbo-prop job. Of course, you would need a good explanation as to why you suddenly want to give up that investment. As the pay is (normally) higher on a 737 compared to ATR or business-jet job, the employer could rightly be worried that you will leave them as soon as a 737 job becomes available. If they have this worry you may never get the job.

If you need a little help

Ask A Pilot is all about helping, and if you would like to have some career advice feel free to contact us. We will be happy to listen to your story and to try to help.

Happy landings

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