Swa March Class????

[iflyfred]

Two days ago, the PD told me that there would be one class in mid-March but that it would be a smaller class. At least that was the plan on Monday. Also, I came away from the conversation with the impression that there would be a class or classes in April.

 

[TAZ MAN]

Heard the same thing from a union rep...big slowdown in hiring. No specifics other than the 700+ definitely isn't going to happen. Those in the FEB classes can anticipate a little "longer" tenure commuting to OAK (you had better prepare your families for the long periods of time that you will be away in OAK "enjoying" a junior reserve schedule). I hope the situation changes.

M 0

So your not going to get the 30 extra planes. Those were suppose to be a two year lease. Temporary until you get more boeing deliveries. You still need to hire about 450 this year. Thats 20 plus classes. I wouldn't call that a big slow down. How many classes have you run? Four, five, maybe six?

Union reps know as much as the rest of the pilots. Its not like they are in the know. They get their same info the same way we all do.

You seem to be on the negative side. Not like most SWA pilots I know and see on the board. Do you like it at SWA? You've only been there a few months, right?

 

[mach zero]

TAZ,
Compared to the 4 classes we ran in Jan., I would call 1 class in March a big slowdown.
I'm not negative just realistic...

I love my job at SWA and realize how fortunate I am. However, the first 6 months here can be a little difficult at times. The newbies should know this.

 

[TAZ MAN]

TAZ, However, the first 6 months here can be a little difficult at times. The newbies should know this.

First I've heard of this. Do tell.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

TAZ,

I love my job at SWA and realize how fortunate I am. However, the first 6 months here can be a little difficult at times. The newbies should know this.

This is not a negative statement TAZMAN. I think he is referring to the commute to OAK, learning a new airplane/airline, and reserve.

I would have phrased the statement, "You won't believe how AWESOME this place is after as little as 6 months." This assumes a steady stream of classes. The last class in June 2003 had to sit reserve at OAK. Tough if you live in Delaware.

 

[commode Air]

How hard is it going to be to commute from baltimore to oak on SWA. Is it even worth coming home for 3 days or am i gonna use all my days off commuting? Is Chicago a junior base for a new FO. also, does anyone have a clue on how many people are in the pool?

 

[Snoopy58]

BWI to OAK can be done. Bidding 3-day trips in OAK makes it easier than bidding 4-day trips/reserve blocks. Not great fun, but been done in the past. Chicago is junior, and so is BWI. Guys regularly get BWI their 2nd month on the line lately.

 

[jhill]

Can someone please verify (or hopefully debunk) this bad news?

Just back from "the center" and the word is they are going to slow down the hiring to 2 classes a month. Should be classes for the foreseeable future with the possibility of 650 for the year but probably 500 or so.

 

[commode Air]

Lets hope

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Chicago is going very junior right now, maybe equal to BWI, with the added gates. BWI has been second only to OAK for awhile. You can get to BWI, traditionally, within 3 months.

 

[T1bubba]

In the latest bid a few new hires got BWI right out of training, but the majority went to OAK. It still takes a month or two to hold MDW, but that may come down as the growth there continues.

Our new late night LAS-BWI flight and the America West LAS-BWI redeye make it fairly easy to return after your trip. The coast-to-coast commute isn't quite as painful as it used to be.

 

[commode Air]

refresh

 

[chase]

Thoughts about March classes

I'm optimistic that while there will be fewer classes & maybe even smaller class size in March, there are reasons to be optimistic about having some new hire training in March....hang in there folks....even if the ferris wheel slows down or even stops for awhile, it isn't going to stop for very long even if it needs to take a break for awhile....

It isn't in the company's best interest to take on pilots unless they will be fully utilized...no one wants that so if a break needs to occur it is in everyone's best interest for it to occur....remaining profitable will in the long run in the best interest for new hires & wannabees!!!!