SWA and classes during 9-11

[avoidingmyboss]

I have a question from some of you SWA guys and gals. I was wondering how/what did SWA do with new hire classes during the month’s post 9-11? Did they cancel classes or postpone classes or continue forward? Thanks in advance. AMB

 

[737tanker]

In 2001 after 9/11 SWA had a classes of that started on 9/13, 10/4, & 10/18. In 2002 they had classes start 1/03, 1/17, 1/31, 2/14, 2/28, 3/14, 3/27, 4/25, & 7/15. In 2003 classes started 1/6, 2/3, 2/17, 4/7, 4/21, 5/5, & 5/19. So it look like SWA didn't cancel or postpone any classes.

 

[Vikingpilot]

I was hired before 9/11 and getting my type rating at Higher Power Aviation during 9/11. The SWA people dept folks stopped by and said all classes were cancelled indefinately... If 911 wasn't bad enough! I was called in late Feb and would have been in the first new hire class after 911. At the time, no one could predict the future of passenger aviation. The events of 911 caused me to rethink job security and I went with FedEx( yes, I was one of the spoiled few with two great job offers)...no regrets and I'm pleased to know that SWA is thriving now. So to answer your question, the last class after 911 started at the end of september and the first class after the pause (5 months later) was 28 Feb.

 

[avoidingmyboss]

Thanks guys this answers all my questions about SWA and 9-11. I wasn't sure what SWA had done but I knew they still had some classes that came thru during this time period.

 

[KLJ]

The class that was reporting to Dallas on or about 9/13 somehow all made it from all over the country even though the nation's transportation system was in gridlock. (Planes, Trains & Automobiles) Their class started more or less on schedule.

I was supposed to be in class 9/27 after 9/11. I was called 9/15 and told my class was "postponed indefinitely." Although it was not a call I enjoyed receiving, you can bet LL did not enjoy making it. I was told the Company did not want to bring anyone on the property without being 100% sure our future was secure. You have to respect that level of dedication. I was also contacted by one of the chief pilots and told to hang in there until they could sort everything out.

Thank goodness only 2 weeks passed before I was called for the class which began 10/4. One more class started on 10/18 and then there was a pause until Jan 02. Looks like 737tanker has the sequence correct.

In retrospect, the two weeks I had wondering if I would ever fly again have made me appreciate my good fortune all the more.