ivauir
SNIKT!
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2002
- Posts
- 1,476
Boys and girls of the pool (and those poolside)
- the first week of LUV has flown by. The guys in the April 7th class are great, and everyone in DAL has treated us unimaginably well.
I like to pass on a little information that may be useful, but I am sorry to report that they did not give us enough to start any good rumors.
First off, for those wondering what to study - SWA will send you a fantastic package with boxed items, flows, memory items etc. I do not recommend much beyond the boxed and memory items. Looking at the cockpit layout is probably a good idea to refresh your memory, but there is no point in memorizing your old -200 stuff and no need to audit a course. I feel pretty good having the basics down.
As previously posted, be ready to spend some dough. I went pretty cheap and I still spent about 600 in the first week on uniforms and stuff. I elected to wait on the leather jacket, they are very cool, but expensive and not required - maybe after my probabtion check. If you can pack some breakfast bars or the like that will help - the hotel offers a discount, but it isn't cheap and breakfast is not worth what they charge. Ask for a fridge and microwave the minute you check in If you can drive - do it. You'll save in the long run by eating away from the hotel.
Our class is about 50% military/civilian (all dudes) all in our 30's and 40's. Most are married and brought wives for the first two days.
In terms of the future at SWA there is nothing new to report - but I'll reiterate the latest news for those not up to speed:
- currently over 80 out on military leave
- 416 airplane orders over next 10 years
- with options could be 750![Big grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- we continue to enjoy a cost advantage over all other carriers
- even the other LCCs (over comperable routes)
There was NO talk of an explosion of hiring. My impression is that this very slow pace will continue as needed. It was stated that they'd evalute their needs every two weeks and make a decision about hiring then. My guess is that for the pace to pick up to pre 9-11 levels will requre either a better economy, or an "industry changing event" (collapse of UAL?). I am sorry there is no real news - but let's face it - this is a company that can keep secrets - before the new canyon blue paint scheme came out nobody knew anything about it. The next day there were posters everywhere. A lot of people had to be tightlipped for that to happen.
That being said they have airplanes coming and someone is going to fly them. Someone told my wife, that they've already ordered a plane for me to captain.
I know the wait is frustrating - but it is worth it. I'd rather spend the 17 months I tredded in the pool and know that I just started my last job, then have them grow too fast and end up furloughed.
All of you poolies and future poolies keep the faith! The folks in DAL eagerly await your arrival!
- the first week of LUV has flown by. The guys in the April 7th class are great, and everyone in DAL has treated us unimaginably well.
I like to pass on a little information that may be useful, but I am sorry to report that they did not give us enough to start any good rumors.
First off, for those wondering what to study - SWA will send you a fantastic package with boxed items, flows, memory items etc. I do not recommend much beyond the boxed and memory items. Looking at the cockpit layout is probably a good idea to refresh your memory, but there is no point in memorizing your old -200 stuff and no need to audit a course. I feel pretty good having the basics down.
As previously posted, be ready to spend some dough. I went pretty cheap and I still spent about 600 in the first week on uniforms and stuff. I elected to wait on the leather jacket, they are very cool, but expensive and not required - maybe after my probabtion check. If you can pack some breakfast bars or the like that will help - the hotel offers a discount, but it isn't cheap and breakfast is not worth what they charge. Ask for a fridge and microwave the minute you check in If you can drive - do it. You'll save in the long run by eating away from the hotel.
Our class is about 50% military/civilian (all dudes) all in our 30's and 40's. Most are married and brought wives for the first two days.
In terms of the future at SWA there is nothing new to report - but I'll reiterate the latest news for those not up to speed:
- currently over 80 out on military leave
- 416 airplane orders over next 10 years
- with options could be 750
- we continue to enjoy a cost advantage over all other carriers
- even the other LCCs (over comperable routes)
There was NO talk of an explosion of hiring. My impression is that this very slow pace will continue as needed. It was stated that they'd evalute their needs every two weeks and make a decision about hiring then. My guess is that for the pace to pick up to pre 9-11 levels will requre either a better economy, or an "industry changing event" (collapse of UAL?). I am sorry there is no real news - but let's face it - this is a company that can keep secrets - before the new canyon blue paint scheme came out nobody knew anything about it. The next day there were posters everywhere. A lot of people had to be tightlipped for that to happen.
That being said they have airplanes coming and someone is going to fly them. Someone told my wife, that they've already ordered a plane for me to captain.
I know the wait is frustrating - but it is worth it. I'd rather spend the 17 months I tredded in the pool and know that I just started my last job, then have them grow too fast and end up furloughed.
All of you poolies and future poolies keep the faith! The folks in DAL eagerly await your arrival!
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