To type or not to type that is the question? SWA

[atr42flyer]

Just wanted to get a discussion going on to see if it's a good idea to buy a 737 type rating? I would love to work at SWA, rumor has it they will need a bunch more new hires even after the tranny deal is done. It would be nice to be interviewed early on ( if I can get one). I know there are a lot of people on the street that have a 737 type so the odds of getting an interview with out one are nil I would think.

 

[flybynav1965]

Greetings-

while i agree that it is a risk getting they type rating, it will help getting an earlier class date if you are hired, and have one in hand.

i interviewed in May 2007, groundschool Oct 2007. guys that interviewed with me, and had to get their type didn't get to groundschool for almost a year later.

good luck,
NAV

 

[waveflyer]

Get it- it's not the $15k and 3 weeks it used to be- you can knock it out w/ home study, $5k and less than a week- most of my peers spent a lot more on instructor ratings most of us only used for a year or two. If you don't when many of the interview pilots DID go through the longer expensive processes...that says a LOT

 

[StopNTSing]

The stack of applications with a 73-type has always been MUCH shorter than the stack of non-type applications. If you are exceptionally well qualified (astronaut) or connected (Tanker Clown ) then maybe you can get the interview w/o the type. If not...well...the shorter stack is where I'd rather be.

 

[ERfly]

The stack of applications with a 73-type has always been MUCH shorter than the stack of non-type applications. If you are exceptionally well qualified (astronaut) or connected (Tanker Clown ) then maybe you can get the interview w/o the type. If not...well...the shorter stack is where I'd rather be.

And just when might one be able to add to that pile (i.e. when will the app open)?

To the OP:

I have absolutely no regrets about getting the type. It was by far one of the most enjoyable experiences I had. I did it with HPA about a month ago.

 

[atr42flyer]

ok, lets say i get the type and don't make it past the interview. is it a scarlet letter to have a 737 type rating and have to apply elsewhere because your first choice doesn't like you?

 

[StopNTSing]

And just when might one be able to add to that pile (i.e. when will the app open)?

I thought 1Q'11, but maybe Chase or someone else closer to the People Dept can be more precise?

Congrats on the 73-type! Mark S. & company still running a quality operation, I hope?

 

[ERfly]

I thought 1Q'11, but maybe Chase or someone else closer to the People Dept can be more precise?

Congrats on the 73-type! Mark S. & company still running a quality operation, I hope?

Thank you, on both accounts!

Mark and co. are still running a most excellent operation. I was very impressed with everything. They do a great job at keeping your eye on the prize (SWA).

 

[StopNTSing]

ok, lets say i get the type and don't make it past the interview. is it a scarlet letter to have a 737 type rating and have to apply elsewhere because your first choice doesn't like you?

I think this has become more of an urban legend, than fact. And not to be flip, but if another carrier has such an inferiority complex that they actually WOULD hold it against you, you'd probably be happier not working for them in the long run.

 

[Whataburger]

If you have the means to do it, and have a little gamble in you - get the type. Hopefully, and most likely, we will only interivew pilots with the type before we even consider the stack w/o a 737 type.

 

[atr42flyer]

ok now is it worth spending the extra money to go to higher power? or will the less expensive places get the job done?

 

[CiFIknow]

ok, lets say i get the type and don't make it past the interview. is it a scarlet letter to have a 737 type rating and have to apply elsewhere because your first choice doesn't like you?

On the Delta App. they ask whether you have a 737 Type rating. I wonder if answering "Yes" gives you positive or negative points on their application. Made me wonder why they didn't ask if you have an MD-80 type or a 75/76 type. One would think that the question is there for a reason...

 

[ivauir]

ATR42,

I have a slightly different view.

Getting the type is a very personal decision. IMHO you need to consider your overall qualifications, job prospects and even personality type.

Some characterize it as a "little" gamble, but it can be a significant investment, depending on your situation. Having that much money on the line might make you nervous, or it might make you more confident.

In any case it does NOT guarantee a job.

It doesn't matter where you get it. Best of luck.

 

[ASADFW7]

Wait the type till they reopen the online application window. With the Aitran deal life will change in the People Department for pilot apps. It may not be required for employment any longer. If you do go get it now, ass kissing may be all you get out of the deal to hardcore SWA guys.

 

[waveflyer]

ok, lets say i get the type and don't make it past the interview. is it a scarlet letter to have a 737 type rating and have to apply elsewhere because your first choice doesn't like you?

That's all in how you answer the question- but to my knowledge is basically urban legend- no basis in fact from actual recruiters--

My experience is dated- but every recruiter I've talked to expressed some variation of the following question: "why would you not make yourself as qualified as possible?- it's applicable to most every major AND qualifies you for a good job-- I haven't met a recruiter that doesn't want ambitious pilots- contrary to popular belief, they aren't scared of southwest poaching pilots-

 

[KarmaPolice]

It's not going to be a scarlet letter, but you will be asked about it in subsequent interviews and you will have to factor it into your interview strategy. If you're interviewing with Alaska, Delta, United, etc you're not going to be able to tell them they were your first choice airline.

 

[waveflyer]

I disagree with kharma

 

[FR8dognit]

Get the type...
I went to Higher Power. Great experience....3 of 17 were hired the day I interviewed....I was the only one hired with a type already on my ticket. We are all based in DAL. Of the 3 of us....I am the only one with Christmas and Thanksgiving off the last 3 years. They were 5 classes behind me. A day can mean the difference between a 10 year upgrade and a 17 year upgrade in this industry. I don't think the type is the scarlet letter it once was. Good luck. Everyone that wants to go down the path of trying for SWA has to make their own mind up on which way to go on this one. I am a gambling man...won this bet....so far.

 

[atr42flyer]

thanks for all the posts!

 

[SO CAL]

Spoke with the Chiefs when we had gound time in PHX. They pretty much said to get the type for the near term. However they believe that it's going to go away. FWIW