Swa Letters Of Recomendation

[johnny taliban]

Question regarding letters of rec for SWA. The website states that LORs should come from folks "who can attest to your flying skills by having observed them over a sustained period of time". With that in mind, would it be okay to use LORs from someone that worked at the same company as I did BUT didnt actually fly with me. My first job in aviation was as a line service ramp rat. This particular company hired F/Os from the line service ranks. While I was pumping gas, one of the pilots at this company was hired on at SWA. I eventually was hired on as pilot for this same company so my buddy understands the nature and demands of the flying that I did. I would like to have him write me a LOR but Im not sure if it would be appropriate. I would imagine that single seat fighter guys have run into similar situations (i.e. Guard/Reserve pilots in the same unit BUT having never SHARED the same cockpit). Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

Johnny

 

[scoreboard]

3 minimum

If he adds to your life story, get the letter, flying related or not, he attests to your person, cannot hurt

 

[kelbill]

Get the letter for sure, BUT, I would get at least 3 letters from some folks who actually flew with you. Those fighter guys can get letters from people flying in formation with them, or giving them checkrides on the wing. But the company does want letters from someone who says you are a good pilot from firsthand experience. If you meet the flight hour minimums for SWA, I have to assume you can find someone to sign a letter you have typed up and researched from your logbook for them. The more credentials on their title, the better.

Good luck

 

[Juvat]

Those fighter guys can get letters from people flying in formation with them, or giving them checkrides on the wing.

I would add to this:

"...or from the guy whose life he saved when he called out a visual on a SAM launch over Bosnia, or the guy he shared a tent with in Saudi Arabia for 3 months..."

You know, little stuff like that. Those spoiled fighter guys--darn them.

 

[Dennis Miller]

Maverick got one from Cougar.

 

[johnny taliban]

"...or from the guy whose life he saved when he called out a visual on a SAM launch over Bosnia, or the guy he shared a tent with in Saudi Arabia for 3 months..."

Juvat, I am just trying to make sure I follow SWA application procedures. My comment about fighter guys was in no way meant to deride,defame, or other wise make lite of their service. To everyone else, thanks for the replies.

Johnny

 

[kelbill]

Juvat,

if you can get letters of the type you suggested, you bet they fit the bill for a good rec, especially the SAM dodging in today's airline environment. I probably wouldn't dwell on how many MK82s you dropped as SWA uses bunker busters now. And unless you flew with that guy you lived in the tent with, a letter of rec won't hold too much water, as SWA dropped the snoring requirement last year. You're in the pool so obviously you did something right with your letters. I'm assuming we're all just having a good time yapping to kill some time. Good luck again to all, and hope the pool dries up quick for you Juvat.

 

[Juvat]

Uhhh...what comment?

My comment about fighter guys was in no way meant to deride,defame, or other wise make lite of their service. To everyone else, thanks for the replies.
Johnny

Sorry buddy, I'm not following you. My post quoted Kelbill, not you. And by the way, I'm not sure how/why you perceive that I was responding to derision or defamation in any post (yours or Kelbill's). I was just having a little fun there. This is usually the problem with written posts where the reader is unable to hear the tone of voice. The natural tendency is to assume the worst I guess...

Side note: I've sat through many conversations with my civilian buddies who go on and on about how tough it was building hours by flying cancelled bank checks at night in an old Mooney. Then, almost in the same breath, they tell me (as if speaking from experience) how "easy" the military guys have it. I usually just smile, but sometimes, if I've had too much vinegar for breakfast, I reply with little thought provokers like: "Was anybody shooting at you?"

Anyway, best of luck to you in the interview process! It's a great experience, and you'll have fun.

 

[Juvat]

I'm assuming we're all just having a good time yapping to kill some time. Good luck again to all, and hope the pool dries up quick for you Juvat.

Kelbill:

Yep, just yapping and having fun. I'm not one of those "there I was back in the 'Nam" kind of guys. I actually think it's more interesting (and healthy for a relationship) to concentrate on what you have in common with somebody, rather than accentuate differences. So if I'm hanging out with another fighter guy, we might talk about the smell of kimchee and burning rice fields in South Korea; if I'm with a civilian buddy, we talk about rime icing and the smog in LA.

You know what this SWA pool needs? A diving board. Geesh.

 

[BeanFighter]

Diving Board?

I'd do a triple Lindy to get in!

Keep the faith!

 

[MK82Man]

Sorry I missed it

Hey Kelbill -- I was out of town for a week, so I'm late w/ the response, but just wanted to say I resemble that remark: "I probably wouldn't dwell on how many MK82s you dropped"

Dennis -- you kill me with your posts, the cougar/maverick thing!

Juvat -- Dragons Rule!