SWA LOR's?

[100-1/2]

A buddy I have known for a long time asked me the other day about the3-LOR requirement for application to SWA. He and I flew togetherbriefly many years ago and since then, he has led a nomadic SP FreightPilot Life. We have kept up as good family friends though ourprofesional courses have deviated. He feels he has spent more time withthe FAA, on checkrides than with any one individual who, "can attest tothe pilot's flying skills, by having observed them over a sustainedperiod of time" much less three people. He has inquired of me as aflight department manager my opinion. I don't feel qualified from aGA/135 background to advise what SWA or any other 121 carrier withsimilar requirements expect of individuals like him, having a desire toget into the big leagues. I know many of ya'll Senior SWA folksoccassionally paruse this board and could suggest/console many of thesegood people out there that (in err) believe they don't have what ittakes to get their foot in the door. (ie 4-year degree, LOR, royal bloodline, etc.)

For my buddy and others like him,
Thanks,

100-1/2

p.s. - I have previewed this post a half-dozen times and every time it deletes spaces throughout. iamnotabadtyperrr!

 

[100-1/2]

back-up-top

sorry if it is intentionally being overlooked.

100-1/2

 

[saabcaptain]

The nicest thing I can say is that part of getting an LOR, and a reason why I assume SWA wants them, is that they want pilots who are not only skilled aviators but also really try to forge relationships with their fellow employees. I know every job is unique but it seems unusual to gain the levels of experience required to apply to and be competive at SWA and at the same time not feel you have gotten to known another pilot well enough to request that they speak to your abilities. I am sure if he thinks about it there will be some people he can ask.