Retired SWA pool rats

[LiveFreeorDie]

Here's another one for Poolies

So I am bumping up all these great "What to expect" posts.

 

[firstthird]

fine job bumping these posts LiveFreeorDie. I had forgotten most of this stuff and probably wouldn't have been smart enough to think to go find it on my own. But now I'm confused about the leather jacket zip in /zip out liner question. If you don't get a removable liner, does that mean you have no liner whatsoever (i.e. not as hot in the summer) or that you are stuck with a non-removable liner all the time?

 

[pegasus]

If I remember correctly, a non removable liner means you can't unzip it. A removable liner means you can.
Despite previous posts, I have done some walkrounds in MDW and the removable liner is invaluable. GET IT. Unless you are very, very fat. Then don't bother
If not on Atkins, don't forget gloves, scarf, hot water bottle,.......

 

[Pinto]

Pub bag

First, thanks for all the great info.
OK for clueless military guys, who makes the best pub bag? Does Southwest sell one? Thanks, Pinto

 

[PTinbound]

Geez, you can spot those military guys a mile away .
Get the jumbo flight kit from Scottleather.com
Get the good one and you'll never look back.

 

[RightBettor]

I will probably catch some cr@p from the guys that bought the Scott Leather products, and I kick myself for not doing what I should have done. Bottom line: I got the "other" pub case from the school house from LuggageWorks... it $uck$, don't buy it!

That being said, I still don't think you need to spend $400 on a Scott Leather chart case. What I should have done is get the 18" or 20" Korchmar case. I've used them before and they're great (didn't use my old Korchmar for SWA because I had the 16" case from working at SkyWest and it doesn't fit too much stuff, albiet perfect in an EMB-120, SWA pubs require more room.)

Korchmar cases can be bought online through several vendors. And here's the best part. They are called "Catalog Cases." Apparently when you market these things as "Pilot Chart Cases" you can mark up the price to close to $400!! But if you call it a "Catalog Case" (for business types) they'll run you about $250. I can just see an exchange between you (new SWA pilot) and a salesman in a store: You - "Hi, I'd like to buy a catalog case." Sales guy - "Sure! We have these really nice leather cases for $250." You - "Great, I'll take it! That'll work perfect in the cockpit." Sales guy - "Oh, are you a pilot? Well, we will have to charge you $400 for that 'pilot' case."

Enough ranting... here are some links:

http://www.1stdiscountluggage.com/korleatspecc.html

http://www.casestore.com/detail.asp?i=15 (best price online, so far)

http://www.casestore.com/detail.asp?i=16 (this one is the 20" for extra $$$)

http://www.ebags.com/product_detail/index.cfm?ModelID=17041# (from E-bags... good company discount. Just wait until you get your employee number before ordering.)

http://www.ebags.com/product_detail/index.cfm?ModelID=17030 (this is a great price... a bit big for the guppy though)

http://shopluggageplanet.safeshopper.com/168/1740.htm?522

Happy shopping and just remember... this advice is free and you probably got what you paid for.

 

[canyonblue]

As far as getting a rollerbag, the obvious choice is a Purdy Neat Stuff bag (now Luggageworks). They hold up well and you can usually stuff them full. My only regret is not getting the "737" Bag. It is 1" narrower than the others and would fit in the -500 and -300 easier. Other than that they are the BEST!

The site for the "737" Bag...........................
http://www.luggageworksonline.com/product.asp?CatID=1

 

[ivauir]

I went a different route on most of this stuff. I bought a hard sided Samsonite for $100 at the grapevine mall. Not only is it cheaper but the Capt's bag rolls really easilly over it. The times when I have shown up and the Capt's bag was already stowed I almost always end up pulling it out and putting mine on the bottom because those pudri neats are a pain. Also, in CLE this month my stuff stayed dry and clean as we treked through the slush and muck - with a soft sided bag....

For a pubs bag I used one I was issued in the USAF. If barely holds the required stuff - but it was paid for. I held off on the jacket until the winter months - I almost waited too long! I wish I had sprung for the noise cancelling headset; they've taken it off of payroll deduct and I am not happy with the ear mold thing. Almost every Capt uses a head set.

Welcome POOLIES! See you in March or April!

 

[LiveFreeorDie]

SHHHHHhhhhhh! Beware Hi Jackers

RightBettor! Don't mention the "EMB" word on this thread! Next thing you know ole lowecur will be all over this thread ranting about how we better not buy the 737 bag cause when SWA buys the "EMB-whatevers" the new poolies luggage will no longer fit!


Oh no! I just mentioned it for him. Ahhhhhhh......

 

[box]

Rollerbags

Costco sells a rollerbag made of ballistic nylon material for just over $100. It is very ruggedly made and has a lifetime warranty - Costco will replace it if it breaks. It fits no problem under the jumpseat in the 300/500/700's. I have also seen a lot of the F/A's with them, and I have heard no complaints. Hope this helps.

 

[Shav'r]

...back to the top...

...for those who haven't had a read yet...

 

[CoopDog]

Korchmar flight case

Korchmar is the way to go in my opinion if you're looking for a good quality leather flight case. I bought mine from the PilotHouse about a year or so after my brand new leather flight case from PurdyNeatStuff (or Things.....or whatever they call themselves now) literally started falling apart from minor wear and tear.

The PurdyNeat bag was a nice size, had an end pocket, and also included a small nylon zip bag inside, as well as sunglass cases, and pen holders. It also had really nice hard rubber skids on the bottom instead of the brass feet knobs. But after a year of normal use, the top flap came apart at the seam, and the end pouch came unstitched. After spending nearly 250 bucks for this bag, I vowed I'd never buy another one.

It seemed like most of the old-timers I was flying with were still using their original leather bags that they had from their probationary year. Seemed like they lasted forever. So I asked one CAP I was flying with one day what he had....he said it was a Korchmar case. Since I just wasn't ready to whip out the duct tape in just my second year with the airline, I retired the PurdyNeat sucker and bought a Korchmar flight case to replace it.....been real happy with it ever since.

Of course it's just been collecting dust for the last 2 years since the furlough , but it's paid for.....and should last 'til retirement. I don't think anyone would go wrong with a Korchmar case.

Coop

 

[firstthird]

question for any SWA guy. I start class Monday and was thinking about buying a cheap chart bag for the first 6 months or so while I peruse the Captain's Scott leather and Korchmar and what not before I spend three or four hundred. I saw that someone recommended a Scott jumbo but it comes in two widths, 7 and 8 inches. Which is the preferred size to fit in the 300/500s? will an 8 inch width bag fit fine or should I try to find a 7" one?

thanks.

coming to class Monday and the party Sunday, looking forward to getting to Dallas.

 

[tredding@swa]

bigger is not always better....

I KNOW we all wish we could buy 8".... , however, the Scott 7" bag rocks!! Carrys the FOM, 2 Jeep binders & my 1" Jepp for that days charts... plus my head set and a few Clif Bars, sunglasses, flashlight... etc. Pay the extra $$$ and add the end pouch (sunglasses & flashlight) and the inside lid pocket ($50) for your pens, SWA schedule, Moose sheets and other misc. stuff you don't want floating around & ready for quick access.

I have had numerous Capt. typs asking me where I found the slim bag, and have ordered one for themselves too!!

 

[jimbo]

Thanks everyone for the great info. Just a few more questions. Do we need to bring the checkbook for all this stuff?
Is the leather jacket payroll deducted ( I'm sure the rest of the uniforms are)? Also does a rep come in at some point to try to sell roller bags, flight cases, etc? Or are we pretty much on our own for the "optional stuff"? I guess we need to supply our own headset as well. Any suggestions that a new hire might be able to afford and a good fit for the 73? Thanks again.

 

[flying@swa]

Bring cash $$$$

Yes, they will take the cost of your uniforms via payroll deduct.... the standing joke is that you probably won't even have a +$0 balance on your 1st paycheck.

Company provides a Plantronics in-ear type headset. A guy will fit you with a custom ear piece for around $50. This thing will KILL your ear for about 3 weeks until you get a good callus going in there. I paid for all of my uniforms, leather jacket with my American Express card to get the points. They take all major cards, checks & payroll deduct for uniforms.

Yes, there will be MANY vendors showing up during the 1st couple of weeks. You will have plenty of choices for bags, ties, etc.

I have been dragging the CostCo bag around for 10 months now, it is holding up rather well. $93.00 out the door. If ANY part on the bag breaks, they take your bag and give you a brand new one off the shelf, no questions asked!! Why spend $350+ for a suitcase!?!?!

The Sennheiser noise cancelling headset I have used for 6+ years is a smart choice... the 737 "flightdeck" is very noisy - VERY NOISY! Here is a great place to buy factory refurbs, they look and work just like a new set for $100s less!! http://www.aviation-headset.com/products/FRH-HMEC45-KA.html

Happy shopping - welcome aboard!!!

 

[UGApilotDAWG]

boots?

Hey thanks for the great read on pub bags and suitcase bags. Our packet stated we needed to have a pub bag when we arrive to class...does this really mean they're not going to offer payroll deduction for the pub bags? I guess a vendor will still visit for the overnight bags, but that 737 stealth bag is highly recommended by a good FedEx bud. Also, no specific guidance on shoes....I love Justin boots and was wondering if the Aviator Boots they sell in Sporty's catalog were ok for uniform (black , of course) with no metal...
guess I'll whip out the Visa for the pub bag and see everyone in Big D on the 14th!

Les

PS- is everyone planning to fly home on the weekends or is anyone going to be around to hit BillyBobs or the golf course???

If ya work hard...ya gotta PLAY hard too!

 

[Snoopy58]

I think what they're telling you is that you'll need a bag to get all the issue pubs from the training center to your hotel room on either the first or 2nd day. A small suitcase or medium-large backpack or two helmet bags or really any old bag of similar size will do fine, and you'll have ample time while you're going through ground school to buy a flight bag to use on the line. Unless things have changed since the January class, there's no need to arrive with your flight bag already in hand.

Don't know if they'll payroll deduct the flight bag or not.

As for fine footwear, black Ropers are ideal, and the Justin variety without metal is very popular. If you haven't bought yet, consider getting the higher rise ropers -- prevents pant cuffs from catching on the top of the boot when you get out of the seat. That with the rubber non-slip sole is probably what Sporty's offers, and lots of guys at SWA swear by their Ropers.

You probably know this, but "cowboy boots" with pointed toes are not permitted, but the rounded-toe Ropers are specifically allowed, and are common.

Congrats on starting class -- it's great to see you guys coming aboard!

Snoopy

 

[NerfHerder]

Hey there! - I am going to get the korchman bag online so it will be one less thing to think about when training begins - my question is - should I get the 18 or the 20 inch? Never flown the 737 so I dont know which one is the hot tip out of those 2 sizes - any info from you 737 drivers would be appreciated. Thanks and see you all in DAL soon! - Nerf

 

[B-atch]

I would suggest the 18 in bag. There's not much room for a large bag in the side panel. Even with a small bag, be prepared to BANG you'r elbows agains the side window during retreival. I did