SWA Training

[LukinUp]

I start training in Feb and was wondering a few things.

1. How long is training?
b. Any LEGITIMATE words of wisdom from any SWA guys/gals? (ie. I wish had known/done this before I went to training.)

 

[SWA Bubba]

I start training in Feb and was wondering a few things.

1. How long is training?
b. Any LEGITIMATE words of wisdom from any SWA guys/gals? (ie. I wish had known/done this before I went to training.)

1. I think 6-8 weeks, depending on your sim schedule.

2. Study the flows. You already have the type rating, so you know the airplane. You're really there to learn our specific procedures. If you've got access to our FOM or flash cards derrived from it, you can study them. If not, however, you'll still have enough class time and time to learn them. Pay attention, practice the procedures, and keep a good attitude. That's really all there is to it.

Good luck, and welcome aboard!

Bubba

 

[N1atEcon]

Get the flows down before you show up, then do the memory items and limitations. Then you can be first in line at happy hour ever night.

 

[waveflyer]

They'll say the first day of class- "relax, it'll be the easiest training you've ever done.." blah blah-

They usually forget to tell you that it'll be that, only if you study and do your work-
Weve had a few that took that line to heart and didn't do their part- have a beer or 3 every night- socialize- have fun- but do your work-

Know limits, EP's and flows well on the first day- and cold by the end of the week-
It's always this way- overkill it slightly and training is really pleasant-

Oh and bring ping pong balls and have fun-
Just remember, it's actually not a good attitude to not know what you're supposed to know-

Biggest: let go of your former life: don't question too much- they'll be time for that after you're on line- and things are changing here all the time- just let it all go and learn swa's way- that's enough for now
Congrats

 

[texman]

Attitude is everything. Stay positive, because it is. Congrats! And yes, let go of your former life.

 

[Juniority]

or... be "that guy" who in the class who has to constantly let the instructor know how stupid and backwards and pre-historic everything is here at SWA, and how much better airline X that you worked at before did it.

(this would be an easy trap to avoid falling into except for the fact that everything here at SWA is stupid and backwards and pre-historic)

 

[FlyByNight1]

First off, Congrats and welcome. My advise would be to put 75 percent of your concentration on the sim. You'll be spoon fed what you need to know in class. Don't get wrapped up with crazy details about the aircraft systems. I've found that they want you to know what a switch does when you throw it or what triggers a light to come on, not the exact pressure that a pump operates at. Above advise is right on about letting go of your previous life. Their is always one guy in every class that needs to know every detail, or questions everything the instructor says, don't be that guy...... have a good time, see you on the line.

 

[redflyer65]

I wouldn't worry about the sim up front. Try this order..

Get your memory items and limitations down cold before walking in the door.

Once there, start working on the flows. Review the memory items and limitations off and on.

If you just do that you will be way ahead of the game and enjoy some fun times down for happy hour. None of it is overwhelming and there is plenty of time to enjoy yourself.

Welcome aboard! I'm ready to start pulling the rope the same direction.

 

[Daddy]

Don't study. You don't need it. You are there for SIX weeks. Leave your former life behind. Nobody gives a sh!t about ANY of that no matter how cool your parents think it is.

 

[Captain Fulough]

Don't be the guy who asks questions at 4pm on Fridays.

 

[N1atEcon]

Don't be the guy who asks questions at 4pm on Fridays.

Or the jacka$$ who asks right before lunch.

 

[redflyer65]

HaHa, that's absolutely right.

Talk about the look of a lynch mob when people still do it.

 

[desolo]

Be careful at the party, wild turkey is some bad $hit, have fun, it will be the easiest 6 weeks of your life. And yes, come down and socialize after class, remember YOU are the culture of swa. Dont be an "OYS", keep the culture alive.

 

[m80drvr]

Is there a good website fot the limits and mem items? I can't get to the training materials until just before class.

 

[PropPiedmont]

If you don't puke atleast once in training, then you did it wrong.

 

[HighSpeedClimb]

They should have sent you a welcome packet with the memory items, limitations and flows, flows, flows. If you have these things down prior to class you'll be way ahead of your classmates. If not don't worry but it will speed things up. And as others have said on this thread, forget about your life before and how you did it at your other airline. There's a reason it's done how its done here. It works...

 

[scoreboardII]

In this order: Memory items, limitations, flows, at least be able to get the jet started, the climb descent stuff is NA for sims.

If you have time, review the profiles for normal TO, V1 cut, SE ILS, abnormal starts.

Lastly, avoid badmouthing the company that just hired you while standing in the hall as the chief of training walks past. True story.

 

[redflyer65]

In this order: Memory items, limitations, flows, at least be able to get the jet started, the climb descent stuff is NA for sims.

If you have time, review the profiles for normal TO, V1 cut, SE ILS, abnormal starts.

Lastly, avoid badmouthing the company that just hired you while standing in the hall as the chief of training walks past. True story.

More than just a few times.

 

[LukinUp]

Ok for planning purposes what is the pay in training? Just trying to get my family budget established before I head out for 6 weeks. One less thing to think about while I'm there.

 

[C-17 Driver]

Ok for planning purposes what is the pay in training? Just trying to get my family budget established before I head out for 6 weeks. One less thing to think about while I'm there.

When you find out let me know... I started last week and I still don't know what it is!

 

[Captain Fulough]

You get paid for the guarantee until line qualified of 85/87/89 trips depending on the month length 28,29/30/31. First year pay is $50.17 per trip. So for Feb it would be 85x$50.17 for the month.

Can't remember when the first check actually is. Welcome to SWA!

 

[skypine69]

You already have the type rating, so you know the airplane.

What a crock. I have a type rating in the 737 and the only thing I can recall about it is that there are 2 engines.

 

[jonjuan]

What a crock. I have a type rating in the 737 and the only thing I can recall about it is that there are 2 engines.

Actually, there are three.

 

[FCPhotography]

No per diem until you start IOE.
Free noise cancelling headset when you show up.
Uniform expenses $300-400 ...deducted from paycheck.

Training 6 weeks. Usually get to do IOE from any base you want ...but not always. 4 days off minimum after IOE so you can catch up with the family. Going home on the weekends is usually possible for the first 3-4 weeks depending on where you live. The last 2 weeks get pretty busy and no time to go home. Spouses or partners can also come and visit during the weekends (first 3-4 weekends) since they get flight benefits right away. Nice pool and fitness center at the hotel,...van takes you to a nice grocery store, and there are microwaves and refrigerators in every SWA room.

After IOE scheduling builds you a line to fly for the next month out of whatever base you want...usually but they don't have to.

Overall,.. great experience and they are very good at getting you through training.

 

[LukinUp]

Thanks Captain Furlough and FC! Exactly the information I was hunting around for.

Cheers

 

[SWA GUY]

1) Make some good friends while in training.

2) Cooperate and graduate.

3) Drink beer after class/sim.

4) Keep the big picture and do 1 day's work at a time.

5) If you are a civilian, sleep during the Jepp explanation period.

6) If you are former/active Mil., sleep during the bombing/air-to-air refueling/1-v-1/formation flight period.

7) It ALWAYS comes together 10 minutes before the check ride, always.

Lastly, have FUN AND ENJOY yourself. Only you will determine how much stress is placed on yourself, or how little for that matter.

 

[m80drvr]

Hey Folks

Do you get full sized cockpit posters (the typical three piece set)when you get to training. I like those on the wall when I'm training.

Thanks

 

[Whaler]

Not full sized but yes you get some

 

[topdawg]

Interviewed last month and have not heard a word yet. Heard they had the board meeting on Jan 24. Does anybody know how long it takes them to let you know your status? Do they reject you via email?

 

[LukinUp]

Interviewed last month and have not heard a word yet. Heard they had the board meeting on Jan 24. Does anybody know how long it takes them to let you know your status? Do they reject you via email?

Rejection comes by snail mail. Offer of employment comes by phone call. I know they're working double-time to get people hired and into classes quickly so I'd expect a phone call by the end of next week maybe. Letter takes a little longer I'm sure. Please don't drive off a cliff next Friday though as the timeline is never in stone. :laugh:

GOOD LUCK!