SWA Poolies . . . a glimmer of hope?

[4 Fan Trashcan]

Just a line pilot privy to the "inside scoop" from other line pilots I fly with during the week. I think nobody freakin' knows. With the extra cities and possible purchase of 800s, something could pop quickly. Right now, however, we are not undermanned, especially since we just finished the regular summer busy period WHILE putting folks through RNP training. I hope we hire/grow soon but like others have said, I take GK for his word. Hopefully optimistic though.

They went to the trouble of interviewing all of us back in the summer/fall of 08 for a reason. Somebody at the company thought they were going to need us (Rocky told my interview group Jan 08 latest).

It's worth reminding people that SWA had people in the pool for 2 years after 9/11 and didn't flush them.

 

[Saluki Dawg]

I don't think any of you guys in the pool are going to get flushed. But, I also don't think you guys are going to be coming to class anytime soon unless GK actually GROWS the fleet again. If he gets the urge to Merge again which I'm betting he will (cough) B6 (cough), then it's going to be another 5 years before hiring will probably resume. Hope I'm wrong on all of this and we see you guys on property next year, but like I said before, I'm not going to give you guys false hope.

 

[Jetjockey]

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but if you look at past precedences in the industry, pools tend to get flushed after long periods of stagnation. The concern from the company's perspective is what has changed in the applicants back ground in 2-3 years. If they decide to re-interview, they open themselves to lawsuits if they deny an applicant who they previously hired.

I'm not talking Southwest specifically, because they only reference we have is post 9-11 where poolies sat for 18 months or so. More recently, United flushed after 2 years. Northwest flushed theirs out in less time. I truly hope it works out for the pilots awaiting class.

 

[waitin]

post 9/11 pool

Was in SWA pool 2 years post 9/11, and no flushes...they did make new flying currency rules, tho...

 

[4 Fan Trashcan]

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but if you look at past precedences in the industry, pools tend to get flushed after long periods of stagnation. The concern from the company's perspective is what has changed in the applicants back ground in 2-3 years. If they decide to re-interview, they open themselves to lawsuits if they deny an applicant who they previously hired.

I'm not talking Southwest specifically, because they only reference we have is post 9-11 where poolies sat for 18 months or so. More recently, United flushed after 2 years. Northwest flushed theirs out in less time. I truly hope it works out for the pilots awaiting class.

The SWA PD has already said when/if hiring resumes that there will be another background check, update of PRIA data, checkrides, etc. That's why they told me on the phone "you've been selected to continue in the hiring process" not "you are hired." Covering their butts. My money is on SWA not flushing the pool.

 

[StopNTSing]

The SWA PD has already said when/if hiring resumes that there will be another background check, update of PRIA data, checkrides, etc. That's why they told me on the phone "you've been selected to continue in the hiring process" not "you are hired." Covering their butts. My money is on SWA not flushing the pool.

Agree completely. I don't have any special insight into how the PD operates these days, but common sense (of which there is still a fair amount of around here) would dictate no flushing of the poolies. If you were good enough to be hired a few years ago, why would they go to the time and cost (and it's all still about costs here) to re-interview the same person? An updated background and flight currency check and you're GTG, I would think.

 

[Jetjockey]

All good news for the poolies. I hope it holds true.

 

[GuppyWN]

With any luck we'll flush Jake. The rest of you are welcome anytime now!

Gup

 

[flynraider]

Is there any thought on how the new duty and rest rules will affect hiring?

 

[mt2]

My guess as an outsider is not as much as at some places. SWA runs a pretty efficient scheduling operation from what I understand.

 

[scoreboardII]

actually, there will be some hurt, the hi time fliers will have more problems working inside the rules, so in essence, a slightly higher chance of needing more folks to fly the line.

 

[IslandDriver]

So i heard Jake got flushed...any truth to that?

 

[GuppyWN]

So i heard Jake got flushed...any truth to that?

That's what I heard. If it's true I guess you shouldn't diss the guy whose ass you were kissing to get here.

Leaves room for someone who wants to be here.

Gup

 

[Daddy]

Who is Jake?

 

[DesertDuck]

ABC's "The Bachelor" pilot guy