Quality of currency for SWA

[UALjan15]

I've been off the forum for a few months and just did some catch-up reading--good information on this board! I wanted to post my predicament and see what sort of ideas came forward.

It has been 10 months since I turned a wheel at UAL, where I logged about 1000 737 hours before getting furloughed in Jan. I went out in August and got my type rating, but otherwise have not logged any flight time in 2003. I have decided that SWA is where I want to be for the rest of my career, and I'm confident in my qualifications except for my lack of recent currency. I know from talking to friends that currency can be an issue at SWA (I don't know if "showstopper" is the right word), so I want to do all I can to stay current.

Here's the big question.....what type of currency will they find "acceptable?" I am considering taking the UAL to Skywest conversion, getting a corporate gig (I live in PHX), or even going with a Guard/RSV unit. All of these options involve big lifestyle/pay changes over my current job, but they will provide the hours. I do want to make sure that I don't get into any training contracts or minimum service agreements in case SWA calls next year. What I'd really like to do is just get checked out in something at the local airport and go flying once a week or so. I'm worried, however, that general aviation time won't be what they are looking for.

Please post your thoughts, even if they're just speculative....there have to be a lot of us furloughees wondering about this. My apologies if this has been covered somewhere else. Thanks!

 

[Yahtzee]

This question was raised by a furloughed pilot in my Higher Power 737 class last summer.

The SWA Rep (name withheld intentionally) specifically stated SWA was aware many pilots were going to have difficulty remaining current given the current circumstances. According to this SWA People Dept Rep, SWA was looking for active flying in two out of the last five years. Someone else asked the SWA rep to define "active" and I believe the answer was 100 hours per year. ???

I would suggest you direct this question to the SWA People Dept. Lindsey Lang could most likely answer your questions in less than a minute.

Yahtz

 

[shootr]

Dude,

Get the reserve job! Keep serving your country, stay (get) current, and give yourself some insurance for future turndowns. If your current job is that good, that's what I'd do. Heck, it is what I'm doing! Good luck!

shootr

 

[PTinbound]

I think any of your 3 options (guard, corporate, or Skywest) would be good. I'd stay away from the 172's at the local FBO.
Given the choice, I'd go with what Shootr says. And call LL.

 

[MLBWINGBORN]

Lets say for a moment that SWA doesnt call..

Or..Lets say SWA calls and you dont get the job offer..

In either case what do you want to do in order to earn money flying?
What job will provide for you the means to get the job you want?
Which job will offer the most stability and keep you reasonably current?

I would ask those questions first and then the currency issue will take care of itself..

The folks that run SWA are very aware that these are both unusual and tough times for our industry..So dont sweat it..

But..Be prepared to answer a question or two about why you didnt keep flying anything turbine..I would be curious as to how you would answer the question..

Mike

 

[GroundHog]

UALjan15,
Thanks for the post. I had the same question and have been meaning to post it. You beat me to the punch.

From Yahtzee:
>>The SWA Rep (name withheld intentionally) specifically stated SWA was aware many pilots were going to have difficulty remaining current given the current circumstances. According to this SWA People Dept Rep, SWA was looking for active flying in two out of the last five years. Someone else asked the SWA rep to define "active" and I believe the answer was 100 hours per year. ???<<

I spoke to LL earlier this year when my number was approaching. I told her my options were a regional, a cargo Caravan, or flight instructing. You can guess her answer. I know what they would prefer to see, but what is acceptable and competitive? I'm hoping that what Yahtzee posted is more in line with the current policy. If interviews start early next year, a two year look-back will show plenty of hard time in my logbook.

Hog