Zero-to-Type in 7 Months: An Unconventional Flight Training JourneySam and Dan embarked on an ambitious flight training path, starting with zero ratings or hours in airplanes and obtaining all their ratings, including an A320 type rating, in just 7 months. They achieved this remarkable feat while still serving active duty and with minimal personal cost.Discover the strategies and key concepts that made their accelerated journey possible:– The Power of a Buddy and Networking: Sam and Dan emphasize doing this journey with a partner and the critical role of networking, both for navigating training challenges and connecting with people in the airline industry. — Planning and Backplanning: Their journey began with a plan, backplanned from the requirements to be eligible for an ATP certificate. They decided against waiting until the end of their military service to start training, opting to mitigate risk early by investing in themselves and seeing if they even enjoyed flying airplanes.– Mitigating Risk Early: Essential first steps include getting a Class One medical and taking a discovery flight to see if flying is something you like.– Leveraging SkillBridge: A key motivation for their timeline was the opportunity to fly jets through a SkillBridge program, getting a foot in the door with a 135 carrier before fully separating from service.– The Importance of Showing Up Prepared: Attending conferences like RTAG with credentials like a CTP written complete was a strategic advantage, making them more competitive and encouraging airlines to talk to them. They accelerated their timeline specifically to be ready for RTAG.– Navigating Commercial Rating Paths: Learn about their differing decisions regarding the single-engine commercial rating – one skipped it for speed and efficiency, applying hours towards multi-engine and PIC time, while the other pursued it to use GI Bill benefits and log PIC hours. — Creative Time Building: Hear how they synchronized flights using safety pilots to legally log PIC and cross-country time simultaneously, effectively cutting costs in half and making hours go further. They even used the planes as ”ferry birds” for time building.– ATP Paths: Explore the two main ways to get your ATP: in a light twin or in conjunction with a type rating. Getting a type rating can provide simulator hours that count towards the 50 multi-engine hour requirement, potentially saving money compared to building those hours in a light twin.– Preparing for the Type Rating: Significant preparation is required before starting a type rating course, including completing the CPAT computer-based training and memorizing emergency procedures and limitations. Resources like One-step prep were instrumental for understanding systems and procedures.– Normalizing Failure: Dan bravely shares his experience of failing his first type rating check ride maneuver, highlighting the pressure and nerves even experienced aviators face. The conversation underscores that making mistakes is normal on the journey to becoming an expert and can even provide powerful stories about overcoming adversity.– Seek Counsel and Adapt: The pilot market environment changes, emphasizing the need to seek current counsel from experts like Breakturn counselors and be ready to adapt your plan.– The Value of a Type Rating: While some say types don't matter, having one serves as a discriminator, showing prospective employers that you are trainable and have ”done the thing” in a jet simulator.– Action Beats Deliberation: The overarching theme is that starting movement and taking action, even small steps, is essential to achieving your goals.Sam and Dan's story is an inspiring example of leveraging resources, strategic planning, and taking decisive action to achieve a seemingly impossible goal.They also discuss the importance of learning civilian interview skills.