Southwest Type

[jetavdk]

I wish, just waiting for the interview call.

 

[Gumshoe]

Outtatime

I'll see if I can try one of the exceptions. Thanks for the reference thread.

Chris

 

[Masterplan]

Typed

I am not trying to place judgment but why is buying a type not the same thing as Pay for Training? If it is how come it doesn't sound as if people are as negative about as they are towards Pay for Training? Help me understand.

 

[canyonblue]

Some Airlines require an ATP. Others require a Commercial. SWA only hires pilots that are type rated in a 737 and also have a 1000 hours PIC Turbine. As far as I am concerned, the HIGHER the requirements the better. Every pilot at SWA was a previous Captain at one time or another. Any pilots that were type rated in the 737 from previous Airlines obviously have an advantage, at least in not having to aquire the type via a school at their own cost. It is not training. To work at SWA you must have a 737 Type Rating. Some pilots worked at other carriers (ie: Vangard) and upgraded to Captain on a 737 then applied to SWA. What ever method works for you.

 

[Masterplan]

Yea but I know of guys who just go out and buy a type rating for SWA. How is that different than a guy paying to be a CRJ FO was the jist of the question. I am only looking for the current outlook on this subject rather than saying the two are not the same. How are they different?

 

[canyonblue]

Get the ATP and I'll tell ya.

 

[Falconjet]

Pay for Training

Materplan: Your question is certainly valid, and I can only offer my opinion. I'm not completely up to speed on what pay for training is, but the way I understand pay for training you actually pay for your initial training in order to secure a job. You pay for the training so the company doesn't have to.

Another hook might be a training contract, where you repay the company the cost (or a portion of the cost) of the training if you leave within certain time frame (ala ATA). Do you consider a training contract pay for training? I don't think so, but some might.

The 737 type rating, on the other hand, is simply a minimum requirement for employment at SW just like an FAA medical and ATP rating. You have to have them in order to be considered for employment there as a pilot.

SW doesn't train you less because you have the type, they still have to put you through their FAA certified training program in order for you to fly their jets their way.

Having an ATP is the FAA's way to make sure you have demonstrated the skills to fly as PIC, the 737 type is SW's way of making sure (in addition to the ATP) that you have demonstrated the skills necessary to fly the 737 as a future PIC for them.

You don't pay any of your training costs while at SW, they do. They don't save any money because you already have a type (in terms of initial training).

As Canyonblue mentioned, you could have acquired the 737 type while flying for another carrier, the military, or perhaps courtesy of some other rich uncle (other than Sam).

Its a requirement for employment, not a shortcut for the company to get you to the line, therefor I don't see it in any way as a pay for training situation.

Most of the majors used to require the FE written exam when they still operated 727s, and I don't think anybody considered that a pay for training situation either. FedEx still requires the FE written as a basic requirement for employment and you don't hear anybody complaining about that. Sure, the cost is much less (in both time and $) but the analogy is still valid.

Sure, a lot of folks go out and buy the type rating specifically to become eligible for employment with SW (I sure did), just as EVERYBODY goes out and pays for their ATP, Class I, and RTOP. You've got to invest something to make it to the show, and if the show means SW to you, then the type is just another step along the way.

I personally got the type specifically for the chance to fly for SW and although I may never do so, I still feel that I gained alot from the experience and it helped me make the transition from flying a small french jet for the CG to flying a pax jet in the 121 environment. There were other benefits for me other than just meeting the mins for SW, although that was MY primary reason.

Just one man's opinions.

FJ

 

[SNIZ]

HPA!

Went to HPA last month. Excellent training...academic instructors were exceptional and did a great job preparing you for the oral. Sims were right there in Dallas and sim schedule was very reasonable, sim instruction was right on, as far getting thru the checkride. I hear the sim schedule varies due to class size and availability..maybe I lucked out.

I have friends out west that have used K&S in Phoenix, also a good option. A few have complained about traveling for the sims (Denver and Bay Area) and some rougher sim schedules (1am starts).

Good luck.

 

[rstev1955]

Just to throw my two cents in, I went to Crew Pilot Training in Houston. They use the Continental Training Facility and are a top-notch company. Same price as the rest, but the training is -300 EFIS and the sim times were all finished by 11pm. They teach the Southwest standards and the instructors are all exceptional. The instructor is your FO for the check. Also, Continental sim schedulers work with them, and when the - 300 sim went down for two days, they let us use the -500 (Class D) sim. Awesome. They do all the paperwork for GI bill and have a discount rate at a hotel nearby. Can't say enough about the organization, and DO get your type. SWA may be the only ones that require it, but you know it has to look good for anyone hiring.

Contact Ray Brendle at [email protected] or go to their website at: http://www.crewpilottraining.com/

Ron

 

[singlespeed]

I just got back from HPA. I got to meet Chase what a great guy. Mark and Joe are wonderful people and they know how to keep you motivated during the tough times. My .02 worth go to HPA they go the extra mile for you. If I never get a job at SWA it was some of the best training I've been to. Thanks HPA. I got the hat!!!