Training life at SWA?

[Turbojet]

Im wondering if anyone can paint a picture of training life at SWA. Im interested in things like: What is a typical day like? What do most guys/gals do for meals? Does SWA provide positive space travel to/from training? Do most go home for the weekends? How long is ground school? Is there a break between school and CPT/Sim? Pay/perdium? Do you pick a sim partner or is it determined for you? What is the standard dress in class? And anything else you feel is important to know before going.

Also when do benifits like 401k, medical, and vacation begin?

Can't wait to head to DAL. Looks like I could be in training in December. Do they change the training schedule to work around the holidays? I would be suprised to see instructors working over Christmas and New years day.

Thanks in advance!
Turbojet

 

[TXPILOT03]

Okay here goes. My class started on July 19th. I finished on Aug 30th.
Class is 8-5 Mon-Friday. However the first week for my class we went Mon-Sat. 8-5.

Dress: The first two days your required to wear a suit. Most wear the same suit both days and change shirts/ties. After that you have people wearing anything from jeans to slacks and shirts.

The first two days your encoraged to bring you spouse/significant other. Lunch is served by southwest those days. Most other days you will just walk to the employee Cafeteria. However, lunch is provided about 3 more times by Southwest.

Travel: I believe is space positive to training, possibly home as well. Not sure as I drove. Most everyone went home on the weekends, even as far as Baltimore and FlA.

The first half of class about 12 students, went right from ground school to CPT/SIM. The second half of class 8 students, had a week off before CPT/SIM.

You get paid about 1800 before tax on the first check, second check about 1500 before Tax. Also I don't believe you get any per diem while in class.
Everyone in class is seated in order of Senority and the guy next to you will be your sim partner. They moved a few people one seat or the other, this way one military guy was paired with someone from the airlines that could help with FMC.

Benefits. 401k, most employees must wait 1 year to enter. Pilots are allowed to join from day one, and are Vested from day one. They match 7.3% so put in at least 8%. Medical you have basic coverage for 30 days. But you sign up on the first day or two for more Coverage and Options. Vacation, not as sure about. We are just now bidding Vacation for next year and I am not sure about it.

I doubt they will train over the Christmas Vacation.

TXPilot03

 

[Juvat]

Thanks TXPILOT03. That's really helpful!

 

[ivauir]

I don't think you get positive space back, but your spuse does. You will have jump seat privlegdes and some observations rides to do anyway ...


BTW I went home every week end. I was the only one, but I'd just come off of a year activation and needed the home time.

 

[dink]

i am not sure either, but my guess is the 24th and 25th dec off. training department does not close often.

Congrats....

good luck...

 

[BH618]

Training Schedule

I have not received official notification but I am progged for a Nov class. My dilemna is I have a large and fairly expensive family reunion schedule for the week between Xmas and New Years. I am hoping for the 15 Nov class and be done w/training by xmas. Is there any experience with trying to schedule IOE or sims with this large of break and still be able to finish training.

2nd Quest: I am also progged for a Mar military reserve ACIQ course at LTS for 3.5 months. I will be flying the line for about 2 months before this. How is SWA with allowing someone with this little experience to take this time off for mil leave. Also, with 3.5 months of mil leave, will my probationary year continue or will it stop until I get back.

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

 

[YeOldeProp]

BH618.......about your 2nd quest comment...


Not to slam or anything, but I'm leaning towards you needing to dedicate your efforts to becoming the best you can be for the organization that's gonna be providing the most for your family. Any way of delaying your AC upgrade until you're more comfortable with the Southwest way of things? If you've got the job, then the AC upgrade on the mil side is secondary (in the really big picture versus the patriotic picture). First month is pretty hectic, second month is more relaxed, but wouldn't want to drop out of the learning curve for the next 6 months after that and then be put back in the frying pan 3.5 months later. Suggest you embrace the Southwest opportunity with all you've got and let the rest of the mil folks have that 6 months of A code time...they'll still be looking for AC's next year.

Good luck...

 

[TexaSWA]

Lunch at the Landing (company cafeteria) is fine, but the Mens Club is a short 5 min. drive down Northwest Highway. $8 prime rib buffet on Wednesday. Lots of scenery to calm the nerves. Just be sure to tip your waitresses/dancers.