Answers
Hope this helps:
Been reading your posts re SWA employment ( I'm NOT applying to SWA ) and wondered what your association is with the details of the employment process there.
> Not or never have been on any of the interview teams, background check folks. Just an interested FO who was helped by many folks before I got here (this board & its members helped me tremendously when I was getting here 5 yrs ago) & have tried to help a few since I got here in '99 (along with the many other folks on this board & other places).
My "expertise" is provided only by my experiences & discussions with folks, many on this board & other sources from within the company & outside. I've tried to always caveat my comments with the fact I'm not the expert, the PD are & flight ops....pls keep that in mind...no one on this board speaks with that type of authority, trust me. Mine are observations & opinions only. Many others provide valuable insight also so many thanks to them also is due, I've just been on the website for a longer period of time...doesn't make my rants any wiser!!!
You seem to speak with a great deal of authority. Your avtar mentions being a 4 year F/O.
Hopefully my words are only given some worth after they turn out to be true, not merely because I say them. Prior military but have learned the unique challenges of what civilians face in trying to achieve their career goals...I'm not sure I would've had the perserverance to hang with the trials & tribulations this business has..I've been truly blessed & thank God every day for it.
Also, I've seen your name mentioned in connection with HPA and your visits there to speak to SWA hopefuls ( I THINK I understood this was the case ). What is the connection between HPA and SWA ?
I worked at HPA & still visit there when I can to speak to folks about SWA from a pilot perspective. The PD occassionally speak to the classes about the hiring practices, interview mechanics & other very useful information. They are the experts on this subject.
I try to answer questions on scheduling, benefits, experiences on the line, etc. They're the experts on their area, I'm a marginally wise FO who can speak without mumbling on the other pilot related topics.
SWA has relationships with many companies, Air Inc, OBAP, WIA, K& S Aviation, universities and with groups in the military. They seek many sources of pilots, employees & HPA falls into that category. Both companies have very similar values & that is why I decided to work there part time plus I like to teach...unfortunately I don't get to do much of that these days. My current schedule prevents me from doing much of that these days but I do visit there on occassion.
Many earlier SWA pilots got their type either from SWA (when they sold types) or from a company that is no longer in business, ACT, it was formerly located in the Dallas area also. Many are familiar with this company.
Your replies to people have been rational and measured. I'm sure they appreciate the insight
Thanks. I hope this reply falls into that category. With 3 teenagers + a wife it's nice to hear that something I say is rational & measured....can you speak to these folks for me?
Your desire to work at SWA is commendable. It has been a great situation for me & my family. I wish you well achieving your urban-legend dreams. Hope I've been of help. PM if you have any other questions.
