1000 PIC in the DHC6 = Southwest FO

[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?

 

[Snoopy58]

I agree with option B... 1000 tpic is 1000 more hours in that column... which may mean the difference between getting a call at 1000 hours of RJ captain time vs 2000 hours as an RJ captain... I'd stay there long enough to get the 1000 hours turbine PIC square filled before moving on.

Anytime you leave a job before shortly before you would have upgraded or shortly after upgrading, that raises the burning question, "why?" The suspicion is that the real answer is, "because the employer wasn't willing to upgrade him" and recommended finding work elsewhere, or didn't like what he saw in the new captain, and suggested moving on in lieu of being fired / downgraded. Rather than leave that burning question out there, if you stay long enough to get the 1000 hours, there's no doubt that your employer was happy with your work in the left seat.

A hundred hours each month is good time, and a few months is a very quick upgrade... I'd be very, very cautious about running from that job to a regional too soon. Just my two cents.

Best of luck!

 

[FlyWithSean]

What if your final goal is not an airline but rather a fractional or corporate position? I know 1000 PIC holds weight there but what if you can get the fractional job without the 1000 PIC and still upgrade to the left seat in the same amount of time?

 

[Irish Pilot]

bump....

 

[DUBLIN FLYER]

Swa Pic Time

My wife was at Scenic and other airlines in the Vegas area for 9 years and had about 4500 hours PIC time there, she is now flying for SWA as od 01/03/2004, she had no problem at her interview.

 

[psysicx]

What about Ameriflight.I know its a different ball game.