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Apr 22 / Guillaume Débauchez

Becoming a Pilot: Should you buy a type-rating?

At Airline Selection Programme, our goal is to help pilots succeed in airline assessments and build lasting careers—not just by offering answers, but by developing the knowledge, skills, and mindset of a confident, competent pilot. So we believe in providing clear, professional guidance on the realities of recruitment and the challenges aspiring pilots may face.

This post tackles one of the most debated questions: should you buy a type rating?

First, a note on the US model

In the USA, the industry works differently. Due to the 1500-hour rule, pilots must meet the ATP license threshold before applying to airlines. This regulation followed the 2009 Colgan Air crash, where low experience was a contributing factor.

In contrast, Europe allows pilots with a their frozen ATPL to fly commercially, thanks to structured airline training programs and a focus on competency-based training rather than just hours logged.

The question of whether to buy a type rating therefore isn’t applicable to US pilots, but potentially is for those looking to work in Europe. Please don’t shoot the messenger - this isn’t us saying either way is better, or right or wrong, just that this is what the industry does look like in Europe.

What routes are available?

Here’s a quick overview of common entry routes for low-hour pilots—each with pros and cons we'll explore in more detail:

- Cadet Schemes: Full training from zero hours to type rating, with airline mentorship and SOP-focused instruction. Applications go directly to the airline.

- Self-Funded Training with Job Opportunity: You fund your licence, then apply to airlines (e.g. Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz) offering type ratings and roles for low-hour, non-type-rated pilots after they've completed the rating. These generally require you to fund these or be bonded.

- Buying a Type Rating: Some pilots purchase a type rating independently to apply to airlines that value it (e.g. Marabu, Eurowings), even without hour requirements.

- Pay-to-Fly (PTF): Pilots pay for both the type rating and line flying. We do not support this model due to its negative impact on safety, standards, and career prospects.

Let's start with pay-to-fly


“Pay-to-fly” (PTF) sparks strong opinions in the aviation world—and for good reason. At its core, it's a business model where pilots pay airlines for the privilege of flying their aircraft, often under the guise of building hours post-type rating. Instead of being paid, the pilot covers the cost of flying 500+ hours—essentially renting the right seat.

So, what’s the problem?

1. Poor Experience & Low Standards

PTF airlines don’t invest in pilot development. They're not focused on quality training or mentoring. Many PTF pilots end up as "flap monkeys"—rarely touching controls, learning little, and sometimes picking up bad habits. These hours might count on paper but rarely translate to meaningful experience. When you apply to a reputable airline, that lack of quality will show.

2. Safety Concerns

Airlines unwilling to invest in their pilots may compromise on safety and training standards. That reputation follows you: recruiters know which airlines cut corners. A CV listing a low-standard PTF airline can raise red flags—or land in the bin altogether. Worse, if you’re involved in an incident, it may be recorded against your license and harm future job prospects.

3. Industry-Wide Damage

PTF undercuts pilot salaries and working conditions. If pilots are willing to pay for jobs, why should airlines offer fair compensation? It drives down standards for everyone. Even if it seems like a shortcut, it could cost you credibility—and long-term opportunities.

Isn't it the same as paying for a rating?

Not at all. Nor for being bonded for your line training.

Many airlines (like Ryanair, EasyJet, or Wizz) charge for type ratings—but these typically include:

- Training to airline-specific SOPs
- Base checks and line training within the airline
- A job offer upon successful completion

This model ensures standards and safety are upheld, and that both the airline and pilot are invested in long-term success. While salaries may still be modest, this opens doors to many who wouldn’t otherwise have a pathway into commercial flying.

Even full-service and long-haul carriers that cover type rating costs often use salary deductions or bonds to recover expenses—again, with a job in hand.

What about buying the type rating (before the job offer)?

This can be a bit of a contentious issue as well, but we want to offer you advice on the realities of the industry, not our personal opinions. Buying a type rating without a job offer is not anything like PTF, and it can benefit you a lot if heading to some airlines like Marabu, Eurowings, and in the past SAS, Brussels, SmartLynx, Avion and many more.

Before we give the pros, some things to think about if you’re considering this route:

- Research airlines’ hiring requirements to ensure they do prioritise (and accept) TR pilots with no hours on type
- See what opportunities there might be for TR with a job offer at the end before taking the step of buying a rating (its a big additional investment)
- Be aware you will also need to complete base training (on a real aircraft) within 6 months of passing your TR licence skills test (some airlines may accept without, just let them know)
- You need to keep it current. This means a yearly LST.
- Consider the usefulness of the rating—an A320 will open many opportunities across Europe.

Investing in a type rating yourself can be a smart move. It can boost your appeal to airlines by reducing their training costs and risk, while also narrowing your competition. If hired, you may benefit from a lower bond and higher seniority than those without a rating.

If other routes into airlines haven’t worked out, this could be a viable alternative. We're not advising for or against it, but it's important for aspiring pilots to know it's an option, especially those who feel 'stuck' after having tried all the other routes without success.

Why do airlines do this?

Airlines that require pilots to fund their type rating do so to reduce risk—training a new pilot who might not meet standards is costly. Some airlines (Ryanair, Wizz etc) also use this as part of a "business opportunity".

However, reputable airlines and flight schools typically support candidates by applying rigorous psychometric and aptitude testing to ensure success.

Smaller airlines that accept zero-hour type-rated pilots often lack the resources for this, which doesn’t necessarily reflect their quality—but it does mean you should research carefully before committing to a self-funded rating without a job guarantee.

Final advice

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here's what we recommend:

- Focus on building experience that truly develops your skills
- Be patient and selective with job offers
- Avoid shortcuts that compromise safety, standards, or your professional reputation

With hard work, preparation, and high standards, the right opportunity will come—without needing to pay for your seat on the flight deck.

You can find our Becoming a Pilot eBook here, and be sure to check out the courses we offer including our Advanced Interview Course for support with airline assessments.

Also join us on Discord and exchange some insights with others, get their feedback, and be in the know of airlines and the opportunities they offer.