Alaska Silver Bullet (How Does it Work?)

[thebluto]

I know if you want a job at Alaska, you pretty much need a Silver Bullet. I know it's a recommendation from someone within the company. But, how does it work? Does the person have to be someone you've actually flown with?

I've known and worked with a couple of people who are now at Alaska for several years, but didn't actually fly with them. Also, how many silver bullets do they get to use and how often do they regenerate, if at all? One per year? Less/more?

Also, what are the repercussions to the Silver Bullet-giver if the applicant tubes the interview, takes another job, stays in the military, etc.? All hypothetical, of course, as I'd love to work there. But, I'd like to be armed with this knowledge before I ask a big favor of someone.

 

[AK737FO]

Silver Bullet or Wooden Stake

The program works well for Alaska. You ask your buddy if he / she will Silver Bullet you. That is a fancy name for a recommendation. The two of you will fill out the required paper work, step by step. Your buddy takes your stuff into his base chief pilot. If all is in order and the base C.P. likes what he sees, then he will submit your stuff to SEA (and Paul Major). The big boss will look it over and if he likes it, he will put you on the "call in to interview list". From there you are on your own. They will bring you in for a sim eval, and if you pass that, they will bring you back for a "review board".
There is no limit on the number of Silvers Bullets a pilot can have. But I think there is an unwritten rule that you can only be representing one guy at a time. If you fail the sim or the interview, there is no impact on your friend. If you leave the company 6 months after being hired - well... lets say that they wouldn't be pleased and your buddy would probably never be able to recommend somebody else again...
A few years ago they had pilots leave from time to time - looking for the big bucks at UAL, AA or DAL. Most of these guys are now fully enjoying the benifits of Furlough. Alaska does not like it when they train a guy and he leaves a few months later, of course that sort of thing is not happening in todays market.
Also, it is not a requirement that your buddy has flown with you. The Chief Pilot is basically looking for us to send him "the best of the best of the best - Sir!" They take it pretty seriously, as do most Alaska pilots. If your buddy doesn't know you that well, he will probably be reluctant to represent you.
Good luck.

 

[thebluto]

AK737FO:
I appreciate your reply. It was very helpful. I've known a few folks who went there, but didn't hear how it all worked. Thanks.

 

[dogg]

Just a quick side: If you do get involved in the process, the chief pilots name is Paul Majer not Paul Major..

 

[AK737FO]

never could spell...

Whups... My bad.
I'm lucky if I can spell my own name half the time, let alone my bosses.