737 type . . . where is the savings

[Farscape]

I've decided to go ahead and go for it, but while I was pondering the decision, I was wondering where does SWA really save money in this deal. It seems that they still put you through a lengthy training event when you first get hired (ground school, sim time, all the normal stuff) so why do individuals need to do this themselves outside of the FAR 121 approved training program that SWA has . . . . besides the obvious demonstration of commitment to wanting the job.

 

[Snoopy58]

where does SWA really save money in this deal

Just some thoughts off the top of my head:
1. Who said it was about saving money?
2. Your comment about commitment partially answers your question.
3. Passing a type rating course & ride is a strong predictor that you can pass training & IOE. Most pilots at the 1000 hours Turbine PIC level can; some may not be able to. Some airlines use a sim ride in the interview to assure an applicant's ability to fly; SWA doesn't use a sim ride in the interview. The type requirement ensures the same thing without the pressure of everything depending on a 20 minute ride in an unfamiliar "jet." The type ride is a much better predictor of success in training than a single 20 minute snapshot.
4. Insurance savings from having 2 typed "PIC-qualified" pilots in all their jets (or so I've heard -- this may be based more in history than in today's facts).
5. The training course IS shorter & has fewer rides than if you were dealing with people who'd never seen a 737. While the guy who's been flying a DC-9 or Airbus or C-141 or whatever lately probably doesn't need much of an "intro" to the 737, SWA also gets pilots entering training who've been flying F-16's, KingAir's, LearJets, Emb-120's, etc etc for the last bunch of years and who may need an "intro" level course in big jet systems, crew coordination, etc. (You may see this in observing the varying degrees of "lostness" in your classmates the first three days of the 737 type class -- guys from big/heavy backgrounds catch on quicker than guys from single seat/smaller/turboprop backgrounds -- though at the end of 2 weeks, all the decent pilots have a good handle on things).
6. Tradition: For years & years, the type was a requirement to interview at SWA. For a while, it was not required for the interview but for the job offer. When SWA resumes accepting applications, it will again be a requirement to apply. Given that every pilot on the property had to have a type rating (either from a previous airline, or the military [T-43], or the HPA/K&S/etc route), there would be a huge outcry if SWA eliminated the requirement now.
7. Don't underestimate the power of "shows how much you want to be here." One of the great things about SWA is the positive attitude that permeates daily operations. People are willing to "pitch in" & help out, whether that means folding blankets between flights or assisting the F/A's with boarding the wheelchairs or whatever. Now, some will jump on this & lecture me about how "pilots shouldn't be doing all that, it's beneath your dignity" and so forth, which is their opinion & they're entitled to it. But those opinions are NOT the sort that make SWA such a great place to work! If you don't REALLY want to be at SWA, then please don't apply. Requiring the type rating makes it easier for those who don't REALLY want to be here to not apply.

Just my thoughts, no official endorsement or any such thing. Best of luck with the course.

Snoopy

 

[Swerpipe]

Entrepeneurs...

Farscape,

In the book Nuts! a SWA Captain addresses the type rating requirement by saying, "There is about a one-in-five chance that one of these pilots will be hired at Southwest. Each one of these people is taking a risk. Some of them borrowing $10,000 so that they can compete--Just so that they can throw their hat in the ring. That eliminates a lot of contenders at the very outset. Every step of the selection proceess tends to eliminate those folks who simply want to find job security, for the minimum investment".pg99
If you are getting cold feet, there are many of us out here that have done exactly what you are comtemplating on doing. Getting the type rating is one of the best decisions I have ever made With so many applicants, it has put me in a much smaller application pile while it has given me the opportunity to demonstrate clearly my desire to work for the company. SWA is not for everyone but if it is what you want, you should go 150% and never look back and before you know it you'll be in school.
Good luck!

 

[KLJ]

Based on what I've heard .....

1. In the past, we used to save money on insurance because of the type; however, that's no longer true.

2. I believe the FAA bought off on a shorter training program for us because of the type, so we may save a little money that way.

It's not about money though -- not anymore.

KJ