1000 PIC in the DHC6 = Southwest FO

[FlyWithSean]

I am putting this question out to everyone here because most pilots at my job have become consumed with the thought that when they get 1000 PIC in the DHC6 they will be able to go to Southwest. We are a 121 mainly VFR (not this winter though) canyon operation, with two routes to non canyon destinations. While I feel this is a great place to work, and a great place for excellent training, I want someone elses opinon on this "Southwest Insanity". A few people have gotten 737 type ratings in preparation for their interview. Here are my questions.

1. What does 1000 PIC in the DHC6 represent to a Southwest?
2. We are 121 but are we even considered the same as a regional or just 120.5?
3. Is it true that getting a 737 type rating puts you in the "small stack" of resumes?
4. Is the DHC6 even a competitive airplane in todays world?
5. What are the odds of getting an interview? (with and without type)
6. What are the odds of getting a job?

Some people say they have talked to Southwest hiring folks, and they say it doesn't matter.

Please if you work at my airline do not respond to these questions! I am looking for OUTSIDE input.

 

[kevdog]

The Twin Otter is sure a fun plane to fly!

 

[CapnVegetto]

2 Schools of thought.

#1, If you know somebody there, that will sponsor, reccomend you, and walk your resume into the right people, then 1000 PIC multi-turbine is 1000 PIC multi-turbine, doesn't matter in what. I peronally know a guy that got hired from GL after 1,000 in a 1900 b/c he knew the right guy.

#2, If you don't know somebody, then 1000 hours in a DHC-6 isn't very good at all. They've got a stack of about 80 gazillion resumes of guys with 2000-3000 PIC JET, 737 types, and a partridge in a pear tree. Right now, SWA is where EVERYBODY wants to work, and where EVERYBODY is sending their resumes to. The only way to get in is to make yourself stand out from the 80 gazillion, and chances are 1000 PIC in a Dash 6 VFR isn't going to cut the mustard.

Network, network, network. The only way that you can get a job in this competitive job market is to know somebody.

It's tough, I know, but good luck!

 

[TexaSWA]

That being said, if you are getting turbine PIC now, regardless of what it is in (unless its a caravan or some other turboprop single) keep at it untill you have 1600-1800 Tpic. Then make a move to improve your resume.If youre flying part 121, noone will suspect its all VFR unless you tell them. Dont play up weak points.

 

[NEDude]

#1, If you know somebody there, that will sponsor, reccomend you, and walk your resume into the right people, then 1000 PIC multi-turbine is 1000 PIC multi-turbine, doesn't matter in what.

I thought the new process was supposed to eliminate the "walk-in" factor. From what I understood everyone was on equal footing as far as getting an interview, but inside contacts helped after the interview process. Am I correct on this understanding? I have a few contacts there, and there are some "friends of friends" contacts that might help as well, so I am not too worried about it.

Any idea when the interviews will start up again and is the 1800 PIC still the "magic" number?

Thanks.

(1300 PIC and slowly climbing - 737 type coming in June)

 

[ATRCAPT]

Walk in's at SWA

I don't think knowing someone will help you get the interview. The way it was explained to me is that there is an e-recommendation form that an SWA pilot can fill out once a person is granted the interview. Until then our fate is left the computer. As far as 1800 PIC being the magic number, I've got 2700 PIC turbine (turbo-prop)all part 121 20,000 lbs or greater, 737 type, four year degree and NO call. Good luck.

 

[328dude]

Last I heard, they are only calling people that have the type. Hiring has stopped untill end of summer early fall because the pool is filled with enough people untill the 4th quarter. Still plan of hiring 500 next year. Also, the fact that they didn't receive all the 737's they thought, put a stop on the hiring for the short term.

 

[FL280]

Yeah...with 2700hrs PIC turbojet, 2400 PIC turboprop, still waiting for that call
and three type ratings. Go from the "Ditch" to SWA, I did my share of ditch flying and going to a major from there aint gonna happen.

 

[filejw]

I would think the next move for a guy with this time is to a non schd . After that 1000 PIC in the Otter your just not improving your resume.Time to move on .Some kind of large jet would be my next move...

 

[146guy]

I was at Scenic for 8 months and the next CA upgrade class was around the corner when I left. I went to Air Willy with no regrets. Flying the canyon and landing out there at Monument Valley was some of the best flying I've done to date, but that Otter isn't going to get you to SWA. I used Scenic to move on to one of the best regionals, unfortunately as of late things are not so well for us over here. My advice for the f.o.'s at scenic would be if you can upgrade within 3-6 months stay for the PIC, if it's going to be longer leave for a real regional.

 

[StaySeated]

two thoughts,

if you think one of the only games in town is going to let a computer pick interviews without input from proven employees you are mistaken

1000pic just makes you eligible, competitive is not a close neighbor to eligible, competitive is in another country

fly safe

 

[CSY Mon]

Dunno about SWA. but I went from the DHC-6 into the right seat of a DC-8-73 some years ago.

Had no jet time in the book, but got the job-offer anyway....(Classic good looks and superior IQ of course... )
Ended up being pretty busy in the simulator as my arse had never moved faster than 130 knots.
Escaped the DC-8 sim shaken and stirred, but intact...

In other words the Twin Otter is so slow, stable and easy to fly that it may not prepare ya for the future...Go and buy that 737 rating, it speaks for itself...The Twotter time won't.

Good airplane however, one of my favorite bush / STOL planes...The ultimate toy would be to own a float version...One of these days.

 

[ATRCAPT]

two thoughts,

if you think one of the only games in town is going to let a computer pick interviews without input from proven employees you are mistaken

fly safe

The info about waiting for the computer to pick your name came from my contacts at SWA (both line pilots). I don't know if it's true or not, but they were both told by a CP that there is exactly nothing they can do for me until I get the magic phone call. If ANYONE has other info I would luv to hear it!

 

[mach zero]

two thoughts,

if you think one of the only games in town is going to let a computer pick interviews without input from proven employees you are mistaken

1000pic just makes you eligible, competitive is not a close neighbor to eligible, competitive is in another country

fly safe

Actually the part about the computer doing the picking is true from what I understand. We are not allowed to turn in a recommendation, online or written, until an applicant has been scheduled for an interview. What qualifications the PD person inputs in the computer to generate the invitee list is the mystery. Once invited to interview, we can "go to bat" for an applicant.

IMHO the DHC-6 time won't cut it in today's competitive environment.

 

[SWA GUY]

Hang in there, we just added a third April class.

 

[SWAdude]

Generally speaking its done by scores but the level of scoring is done by the people leading the interview team. These are the people that determine who gets interviewed.

Like any where in this world, if you know the right people in the right place you might be able to get things done for someone.

If you have 1000 PIC turbine on a Otter and you know the right people and you interview very, very well...in my opinion you would have a chance.

I've seen stranger things happen in this profession.

Best of luck to all.

 

[ivauir]

The info about waiting for the computer to pick your name came from my contacts at SWA (both line pilots). I don't know if it's true or not, but they were both told by a CP that there is exactly nothing they can do for me until I get the magic phone call. If ANYONE has other info I would luv to hear it!

This is the same info I have and I've helped two guys get hired here in the last year ... I couldn't do squat for them until they got the call to interview. Only then could I help them. I am only a line swine so maybe if you play golf with Gary and call bubba "bubba" then you can pull some strings.

The bottom line is internal recommendations can help you get the job, but you have to put numbers on the board to get an interview ...

Good Luck!

 

[ATRCAPT]

Any idea what the magic "numbers" might be? I've nearly 3,000 PIC 121 turbo-prop, but no jet time. I've got the 4 year degree and type. You think it's my lack of jet time that's keeping me on the outside of the fence?

 

[tim1wolf]

For what its worth, I just finished my type at HPA in Dallas. SWA People Dept came and spoke to us there and said that no walk-in resumes are being accepted, period. She said they pull a list from the computer, screening for only the type rating and a minimum of a 2 year degree. Then they are hand sorted on the whole person concept. When pressed for a competitve average, she offered 1700 turbine PIC, but added that the kind of flying was just as important (ie-single seat fighter=less hours, ok, but a commuter pilot is expected to have a higher total). If a resume has found its way into the office, it is filed for reference AFTER the interview is scheduled, or used to clarify missing facts in the online resume only.

 

[Irish Pilot]

Just out of curiosity take the Southwest portion out of the mix.

• Does 1ooo PIC in a DHC-6 at a primarily VFR operator carry weight at Nationals etc?

I know exactly what Sean is talking about, and it extends also way beyond Southwest. A lot of people talk about many different places like America West, Hawiian, Air Tran, etc. out of the DHC-6.

In The Following Scenario, Which Of the two choices which is the better for furthing your career?
(For most people the thought is shortening time between their current job and a National airline....keep that in mind here)

The 121 carrier you are at flies non type required aircraft (i.e. DHC-6). Upgrades are very quick (a few months only) and you fly quite a bit (around 100 hours a month). The flying is primarily VFR though many of the pilots go out of their way to keep their instrument skills sharp (sims, other flying, etc.) Does a newer First Officer at this job....

Option A: Work hard as an FO and use the job to increase his skill and marketability towards a regional and invest some time as an FO and jump ship to a "good" regional in hopes to use skills and PIC earned at that regional to launch him or her to a National, Major, Legacy etc.

i.e. a 1ooo PIC isnt worth much if it isnt in a jet or at least a larger (type required, etc.) turboprop.

Option B: Work hard as an FO and stay at the airline and upgrade to Captain to grab the 1ooo PIC and to either try to take it to a National if possible or to a "good" regional where he or she at least has the 1000PIC and can fly larger aircraft and "more demanding" routes.

i.e. a 1ooo PIC is 1ooo PIC, it doesnt matter what AC it is in. Get it however you can and it will take you to a National or the like.

Thoughts?