SWA Interview plans for January

[walden]

Type: Jan 04
Application: Jul 04
Call for interview: this morning for a 12 Jan date with destiny.

Merry Christmas! Here's to all who are waiting. I wish you the best.

 

[FliptheDuck]

K&S vs HPA Types

This hoo-hah about a type from one company getting you an interview call faster than another's is stretching things a bit (not to mention the fact that it presents a potential conflict of interest). I've know of at least 4 fellow aviators that have recieved interview phone calls within 2 weeks of type/app that have typed at K&S (all within the last year).

 

[Hooch]

Dear HOPEFUL,

Don't you have some NUTS you want to play with or go fine?? Get a life!! Why would you be so hateful?? Must have that SWA desire that so many have,(put in a appication) don't call us for a reference!! Chase is a WONDERFUL addition to Flight Info. I know that so many folks are greatful too him and Thank Him for all his input and effort that he puts towards helping everyone in this crazy flying business out. Chase is always up beat, encouraging, and tries to help everyone out in the best to his abilties. For someone like YOU to try to attack Chase you have no right. I had the pleasure of meeting Chase when my husband went to training for SWA and he is as Wonderful in person as he is on Flight Info. My husband and I always looked forward to Chase's posting when we were in the SWA Pool all wet and waiting to dry as we do also a year later. Chase posting are Welcome and could not image Flight Info without Chase. Chase I am sorry for folks like" Hopeful." Keep doing what YOU are doing!! You have a BIG fan club. May You and your Family have a Wonderful Holiday Season!!

Thanks Chase,
Mrs. Hooch!!

P.S. Let's see what we can get started this time

 

[singlespeed]

I thought K&S were getting all the calls first.

I think Chase can take care of himself. I had lunch with him and the HPA crew back in March. Good times great people.

 

[OakRBust]

I am Hopeful that grumpy mean folks don't find their way to our great company.
I know many are greatful for the time Chase spends on this board helping others including myself. Chase, don't waste your time explaining youself to kids like this. Save those posts for the good stuff.

If my count serves me correctly... I owe Chase 11 beers already.

Happy Holidays Everybody!!!


See Yaaaaaaa
Oak

 

[chase]

To all...

Just got off the road for the day & was a little surprised to see the response....my thanks to one and all who responded..."hopeful" & I have passed PMs back & forth & there were some misunderstandings and some shared frustrations...he brings up a real concern among not just SWA pilots but any airline that is represented by unions...the potential abuse of the trust members put in to their elected officials. I'm not an elected official but a mere worker bee but abuse can occur there also & occasionally does. It is one of the dark secrets I don't usually talk about but it is an issue.

I've maintained SWA & SWAPA isn't perfect since the beginning...that doesn't make it bad place to work, just not the 100% solution that some might think...come into any job with one's eyes open & don't just take my drivel as gospel or else you'll be disappointed once you fly with consecutive old cusses who aren't exactly Mr Congeniality.....

Regardless, no more piling on....."hopeful" & I have done the internet exchange of handshakes so lets get back to talking about what one can do to improve one's chances of getting hired.

The "type school" conspiracy has been laid to rest I hope as there are folks from every type school out there showing up for interviews. Some simple numbers (very rough estimates on my part again so no these don't come from the PD)....

An average month's number of interviewees - 140+
Number of folks who have have 737 types who have applied - 1500-2000 (my rough guess)
Number of folks who are entering that pool of type folks each month around from the various type schools or new applicants who already have their types -- a very rough guess of 100

How many folks are being eliminated from the pool of applicants each month - equal number of folks who are getting called in for the interview, 140+

Therefore, the pool of folks with types is being drained at a very slow rate (maybe 40ish) since it is being replenished at nearly the exact rate that folks are being called for interviews.

So your odds each month are at 1 & 10 or slightly less to get a call...yes for some that has stretched now for 9 months but the reality is the pool is large to draw from. That doesn't even include the occasional person who may not have a type & I can't say catagorically there aren't a few of those being called either.

So, do you feel like you're lucky enough to get called for a 1 out of 10 or less chance? Maybe you're use to being lucky when it comes to those odds. Again this is only an exercise in futility since I have no way of knowing for sure but one must look at the facts. Some are getting called very soon, others aren't but if you think it will help to do something other than what has been talked about before that will make you competitive then feel free to do so. I wish you well. For the others use this time to prepare yourself for other options...there are other ones to consider in all reality. Good luck to all,

 

[captjoey42]

I'm a 41 yr old 18yr FO with a major airline who was lucky enough to fly 3 yrs as captain. I have a 737 type and 1800hr PIC in the 737. I have over 8000hr in B737 counting sic time. I applied with SWA in Jan of 2004 not long after the online apps were started I've kept it updated monthly . I'm really trying to figure out why I haven't been called. (any help here Chase??) I've spoken to Chief Pilots and a few people that I know in the SIM dept as well as many pilots that ride our jumpseat and every one just keeps telling me the I should go right to the top of the list. Is it possible that I am over qualified???

Things look bad where I am and I've just come from the gripe board for the fract carriers. I love being an Airline Pilot and don't really want to work in the corp. world but I feel I'm at a dead end and may have no choice.

I have 19 years left to fly and feel I could be a great asset for SWA.

If any one has any help or Ideas please post or send me an email directly at [email protected]
Thanks

 

[enigma]

I have 19 years left to fly and feel I could be a great asset for SWA.

If any one has any help or Ideas please post or send me an email directly at [email protected]
Thanks

Joey, we feel your pain. Sincerely feel your pain. Other than updating often or finding Herb in the parking lot (just kiddin), there doesn't seem to be any way to get on the inside track. For me, I can't complain, I had my chance and blew it. I hear that they don't hold it against you, so I keep updating...With my fingers crossed.

In the mean time, I'm slowly coming to the realization that life will continue, and my kids will still be glad that I'm home, no matter who I work for; if SWA calls then GREAT, if not, I'll find a way to be happy at what's in front of me.

Good Luck,
enigma

 

[BHS]

CaptJoey, I am in the same boat as you give or take a few years and slightly different path I'm sure. I have wanted to work for SWA before it became a fad. I interviewed their three years ago and didn't make it. I found out where I had went wrong most notibly very nervous and stepping on my own tonge. I spoke with L.L. in the PD last week and she gave me very incouraging news. She said that pilots like you and I should be getting a call by late winter. I am not banking on it but, staying optomistic all the same. I have been told their are thousands of apps but a fraction of those are with the type ratings. If you get the call for an interview let me know and I will do the same.

 

[Varmint]

A couple of questions to those who have applied at SW.

1. The online application process opened two days prior to the advertised date. Has anyone who submitted their online application prior to the advertised opening date gotten calls for interviews yet? (I applied earlier than the date which is why I ask)

2. How are you documenting your type rating school, or are you not. I don't have K&S listed on my application but it could go in the education section under trade/technical school. Is anyone doing this or are you just checking the 737 type rating box and leaving it at that. In addition to everyone, those who have gotten calls to interview, what did you do?

Thanks in advance for the answers. Good luck to us all who are patiently waiting for the call and very very good luck to those waiting for the DB.

 

[Swerpipe]

Type rating school irrelevant

Hey Varmint,

I really think that folks are erroneously giving a lot of weight to the type rating school. I went to HPA in Jan 2002, applied in Aug 2002 and Jan 2004. Your school is not important, just that you have the type rating. HPA types more people than any other school therefore more folks get hired from HPA. Also, when you go to HPA you find out about this website if you didn't already know so more people that apply from HPA will post here.

I didn't list the school on my application and didn't even think of it until you brought it up. I am also wondering if it should be listed as well. Is HPA, Simuflite or Flight Safety a "Trade School"? Would love to find out.

When you have so many folks waiting for "the call" it is normal for people to get desperate. I believe that Southwest has a fair process obviously from their point of view, which may or may not fit your needs. If have been around Air Inc, Open houses and informal meetings so often that some the PD folks know me by first name. Our turn will come, it's just a matter of patience and being ready when the call finally comes. The PIC turbine time is different depending on the numbers of folks with similar background to you (i.e. military, charter, corporate, civilian...). I only have 2300 PIC turbine, 600 pic jet. BTW my flying mentor (a SWA pilot) said that the planning department is assuming 700 new hires next year. They used that number to advice him on his vacancy bid. The future is really bright!

 

[TheXmanz]

I to just got the call for an interview in January, looks like the 27th, but will know more monday when I talk again with Kim. Anyone have scoops on what to watch for in the interview? We all need a little help these days. Thanks to any and all responses. X

 

[atp160]

Congrats on the interview,
I interviewed on the 16th, last interviews for the year. What an experience. Everyone has told me to just be yourself, and they were right. No headgames, should I drink the water should I take off my jacket. Look through your logbook and come up with some great stories. The interview team will put you at ease and the stories will just flow out of you. As to the LOI, it's something we do everyday, just make the decision and stick to it. It will be a day to remember for the rest of your life! You will want to become a part of the SWA family even more.

Orginal app: Oct. 2002.
Typed: May 2003
The call: Nov. 22nd at 1438 hrs

 

[Varmint]

Swer,

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I was not aware of HPA giving out the site name which would explain alot about the majority of people on here getting interviews being HPA grads.

Anyone have any info pertaining to the early app issue?
1. The online application process opened two days prior to the advertised date. Has anyone who submitted their online application prior to the advertised opening date gotten calls for interviews yet? (I applied earlier than the date which is why I ask)

 

[PhrogPigHuron]

I applied on the Saturday before the online app system officially opened up. I had not previously applied. I got typed in March at HPA. I interviewed on November 18. I hear Decision Board meets OOA Jan 11. I'm trying not to bite my nails or pull out the rest of my hair. The interview process was exacly as previously stated: I did no formal interview prep, went in there and just talked about flying and life. The whole process only served to make me want to belong there even more. However, I think it's time to stop worrying about it and go fishing!

 

[RVR300]

Good advice Phrogman!

You've done all you can do at this point. Just hope that you were adequately prepared for the interview (yes you were), hope you had the best gouge (you did), hope the interview team members liked you (they did), and pray they start checking your references (Oh wait, they are!).

At this point my friend, its up to those in that dark, smoke-filled subterainian room secretly located behind the large framed picture of Herb, down the stone staircase that is the Decision Board.

At least that's where I think it is...

And to everyone else... remember, they want to know YOU, not programmed answers. Think about it, would you rather fly with someone interesting or the sir-yes-sir type?

Good luck to everyone, and especially to my Phrog friend!

 

[singlespeed]

Phrog

What date did you get the type. I got mine at HPA in March too. I wish you the best.

 

[PhrogPigHuron]

I was in the HPA March 10 class. Thanks for reminding me. I gotta send out an email to the class. And for my good friend "The Captain," The Commander states that we shall toast a toddie aboard the Good Ship AWOL, a toast to the holidays and life in general, regardless of how this all works out!

 

[RVR300]

The good captain accepts the toddie invite aboard AWOL! She is a good ship.

And to all of you guys and gals anxiously awaiting word from the DB...
From now till January all through the house,
The DB is quiet... just like a mouse.
The Sims are all simmering tight in their bays
Waiting for new guys to fly night and day
Happy Christmas to all! Come fly for SWA!

Guys... enjoy your holidays. The phones should start ringing in mid January. Take Phrog's advice--have a toddie and toast to Christmas.

 

[chase]

I haven't heard for sure the number of weeks that are being projected for interviews for Jan but in the past when things were full up & running it was usually for 3 weeks, 4 days a week for a total of 12 days.

Some discussions about increasing the total of interviewees from 140 to something slightly more. Also in order to save money (again we always like to be doing this) at some point in the future the interview team will be made up of 1 PD person, 1 active pilot & one recently retired pilot. With our pay scales now increasing it makes sense to reduce the number of pilots who interview & instead use very highly qualified & carefully screened retired pilots who will be compensated but at a rate lower than a line CA/FO....it is also an OUTSTANDING way to utilize the wonderful talent of pilots who are retiring, something that is long overdue in my mind. I believe the company & the union is beginning to realize the outstanding talents these individuals offer to increase our productivity & carry on some of our culture.

Also good news for those in the pool......haven't seen it officially printed yet but the rate of classes appear to be moving up...probably 3 classes back to back each month & then 1 week off....this will continue for the forseeable future (I wouldn't bank on it beyond 1 Qtr at a time). The long pole in the tent is sims & currently we have one sim that is hard broke & will be down for awhile....hopefully it will be up fairly soon but it is causing some late night sims for new hires that haven't occurred in the past....lots of demands on the sims were removed for the 1st qtr (previously posted on here) so now these slots are going to be filled with a higher than normal rate of new hires.

Again don't sell the house, move to Dallas or throw away your current job (or bug the PD for that matter based upon this "rumor")....as always have your ducks in a row to be ready to go....other than the days of the 2 yr pool the estimated dates that the PD would use were usually conservative dates so promises wouldn't be broken so as always be prepared & keep your phone number current with the PD!!!!

Good luck to all....SWA employees will look back very favorably at '05 as the beginnng of the surge that takes SWA to the next level. How we do at that level will have a great deal to do with what type of folks come on board over the next year....think about this.....SWA currently has 4500 pilots....a year from now that total will be close to 5100+ (100 will retire)....a gain of 12-15% if all things go as planned....that is a lot of growth....thanks to those who are helping us grow & become better.