SWA 6 July F/O class

[flynlow]

I know there were several untyped pilots there during the day I interviewed. Most if not all of them were furloughed ATA guys. On the positive side there is a relatively small number of furloughed ATA guys/gals.

 

[Tank68]

Total time: 3600
PIC jet: 2000
737 type @ HP: Oct 04
Application date: July 04
All military time
2 months at AA in the 727 FE program never hit the line
Stan/eval and instructor in KC135


I know there are guys out there with better numbers, can't tell you why I was picked to interview or why they called me over others. It seems to me military guys sometimes have an advantage in the jet PIC time over civil guys. From what I understand that is the big ticket item now. Good luck to jetfumes and everyone else in this business, I think we can all relate to being frustrated at one time or another in this crazy process.

 

[BunsenHoneydew]

Called today. Here are my numbers. Hope it helps.

Total Time - 4500
Turbine PIC - all but 80
737 type - No (Scheduled for real soon ...even sooner now that I got the call)
737 hours - 0
airplanes flown - see profile
military - Yes
check airman - Yes (Mil only)
Application Date - Nov 2004
Interview date - May 2005
Furloughed ATA

Feel extremely lucky and fortunate to have had the opportunity to fly with all of the great folks at ATA.......even if it was way to short. Good Luck to everyone over there and "THANK YOU!!" for all of the great experiences.

BH

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Those of you fearing nepotism and other shenanigans at SWA...It might happen but is FAR less a player at SWA than anywhere else. IMHO

These non-typed folks were check airman in the military. You commonly get very good supervisory roles and are on the fast track if you are one of those. You are being groomed for bigger and better things. These folks are more than likely EXTREMELY sharp with the resume to prove it.

That said I don't pretend military folks are better than civil. Just different. We are typically older (more captain like) with fewer hours and often have varied experiences that look good to SWA.

While I don't know SWA's actual hiring process I believe they like to get a mix of 121, corporate and military. Maybe its just a mix of civilian vs. military. In the civilian group the competition may be very different. Military folks are choosing to stay in right now and the pool of uninterviewed applicants may be shrinking.

I know its tough out there, but I'm sure your turn will come at SWA.

 

[JetFumes]

Sorry guys, I truly am happy for those getting the call. I myself do not have the type yet, so I'm not worried about myself. I just know many guys and gals, both military to civilian, and civilian only, who have lots of turbine PIC time and types, who can't even get a call. Maybe some of them have black marks I don't know about, like a dui in their past. Anyways, there just doesn't seem to be a set formula, which I guess can be a good thing.

 

[Skeet Shooter]

Thanks ivauir for guiding this thread in a more constructive direction.

Here are my "stats":
Total Time - 2500
Turbine PIC - 2000
737 type - yes, HPA June/July 04
737 hours - 0
airplanes flown - check bio
military? - y
check airman? - n
Application Date - July 04
Interview date - Nov 04
Hire date - Jan 04 (waiting to expire AF commitment to start)
Any other qualiification you have that might have swung things in your favor - in my opinion (nothing official), being a U-2 pilot helped. We have a disproportionate amount of former drivers in SWA and they seem to be happy with us (despite our character flaws). Also, I am young, and in my opinion that may have helped. Although the app doesn't ask for your age, they could easily figure it out (by looking at college grad date, etc.). In my opinion, if someone has the minimum hours, and solid, challenging experience, then being young is a bonus. I mean heck, I'm going to be giving SWA 30 years of service! We both win big time in this deal!

Now from the PD I've heard official statements such as, "95% of those that get called for an interview already have the type rating. Those that don't are typically ATA or USAir pilots". Also, I've heard them say that they DO try to keep a mix of military/civilian, and sometimes one group will be favored as waves and cycles occur over time.

I often wake up at night and wonder if I'm dreaming and if they really did hire me. I don't know why - but they did. I wish I could shed more light on their logic and processes, but that's all I know.

Best of luck to those who are waiting for the call!!!

Tank, bunsonhoney, and buzzed - let the pool party begin! Come on in boys, the water is fine!

 

[scate737]

Im one of those "low time guys" that was called for the interview as well. What happens from here remains to be seen, but I am excited and thankful for the opportunity. Its obvious that there are a ton of extremely experienced guys out there that deserve the call, I can only tell you my numbers and wish everyone luck.

TT - 3050
Turb. PIC 1630 at the time of the call
737 type - Dec 02
737 - 700 (590 pic)
737 Eval/Stan pilot
Military mostly
707 Tanker Capt. on the side
app. date Dec 04 (12 mos from discharge date)
int. date 13 June

I dont know what the special ingredient is in the recipe. I have been to HPA a couple of times since my type and got a chance to talk with some of the PD folks, maybe part of it is name recognition. I will say this: dont be shy about calling the PD if you have a legitimate question about the process. I have done this and they are helpful and seem genuinely happy to talk to you despite their workload.

Good luck to ya all.

Scate

 

[miles otoole]

Those of you fearing nepotism and other shenanigans at SWA...It might happen but is FAR less a player at SWA than anywhere else. IMHO

Not sure what your definition of nepotism is, but if it is simply showing favoritism toward a family member who is qualified, then yes, it is alive at WN. With most things being equal, WN likes to hire qualified family members. Why shouldn't they and why should it be seen as "shenanigans?" Should they give the nod to a qualified family member versus someone "more qualified?" Is someone with 1,500 PIC and 5,000 hours of right seat 121 737 time, but no 737 type less qualified than a 1,500 hour military centerline thrust, 737 typed guy?
A 737 type might show commitment, but more commitment/desire to work at WN than a son/daughter of a 25 year WN pilot? No, I wasn't one, but I believe they should all go to the head of the line once meeting hiring mins. They are after all, the family airline. Haven't you seen the TV series?

 

[Buzzed]

My numbers:

6037 TT
5000 Multi
1010 B-737-800
1900 Multi-PIC Turbine (1374 121 PIC)
Close to 5-years at a 121-regional (Left Coast)
10 LOR's (4 Internal from SWA buddies)
ATA Furlough (Almost made it 2-years)
8-Years USAF (Enlisted)
BS in Aeronautics
No Type yet (But studying for it)
The Lord on my side too!

What can I say? I feel blessed! I still can't believe it, but I do know this; If you really, really want it, then make it happen. Persistance and determination is the key. Look at me! I'm 37 and it's my 7th job in aviation and it finally happened!

Fly safe!

-Buzzed

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Not sure what your definition of nepotism is, but if it is simply showing favoritism toward a family member who is qualified, then yes, it is alive at WN. With most things being equal, WN likes to hire qualified family members. Why shouldn't they and why should it be seen as "shenanigans?" Should they give the nod to a qualified family member versus someone "more qualified?" Is someone with 1,500 PIC and 5,000 hours of right seat 121 737 time, but no 737 type less qualified than a 1,500 hour military centerline thrust, 737 typed guy?
A 737 type might show commitment, but more commitment/desire to work at WN than a son/daughter of a 25 year WN pilot? No, I wasn't one, but I believe they should all go to the head of the line once meeting hiring mins. They are after all, the family airline. Haven't you seen the TV series?

If you aren't a family member at FedEx or UPS just try getting an interview without being walked in to the Chief Pilot. FedEx has a pilot board BEFORE the interview. Try getting an interview at JetBlue without a Blue Dart.

That is not how things are done at SWA. Recommendations are given after the interview is scheduled.

 

[Skeet Shooter]

It's official - I just talked to Kim U. at SWA and she has informed me that I am in the 6 July F/O class. YES!!! May arm is raw from pinching myself to see if I am dreaming.

Has anyone else received the call to join this class?

To share what I have learned recently: they had classes on 1 June, 8 June, and 15 June. In July, the look to have a 6 July and 20 July class.

It appears that the pool is so shallow right now a kid wouldn't even pi$$ in it. If you interviewed in May, you might start training in July.

Have their been interviews in June? If so, I bet they would to start in July/August.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

It's official If you interviewed in May, you might start training in July.

I know someone who interviewed in mid-May and just found out he made it. He was told he might be in the July class.

 

[flynlow]

Did he find out today? I still haven't got a call....argh

 

[SWAnging]

Yeah man! It is possible to get the job without the type. I have a couple of buddies who have done it too!

-Buzzed

P.S. Fly safe!

They aren't interviewing non-typed guys! Buzzed must be an ATA furlough.

 

[SWAnging]

Anyone used southwest interview prep? recommend it or not?

 

[boeingdriver213]

I am in the July 6 class as well. Was offered the June 8 class, but couldn't do it due to prevoius commitment. Someone liked me at SWA!

 

[FlyBarneyJets]

They aren't interviewing non-typed guys! Buzzed must be an ATA furlough.

Not so! I talked to three people in the breakroom on Tuesday and Wednesday that were neither typed, nor ATA furloughees.

 

[SWAnging]

Not so! I talked to three people in the breakroom on Tuesday and Wednesday that were neither typed, nor ATA furloughees.

They might be working somewhere else since ATA furloughed them, but I'm pretty sure they're all ATA furloughees.

 

[ForgedBlade]

It's nice to hear that some more of us ATA guys are getting hired. I'm waiting to hear back from Kim for an exact date, but she said to expect an early- to mid-July interview. Congrats guys. I'm 36 and the clock is ticking...

 

[Falcon4.0]

Congrats to SWA new hires

Hey guyz,

Sounds like everyone working at SWA is happy there. It sounds like everything I hear is accurate. NOW....a little luv for those of us who just want a chance to interview, please. Is it a matter of knowing someone? Having resume' walked in by crewmember? Please PM me with ANY helpful advise...thanx...and I look fwd to flying with you all, too!!!