Turbo Prop Captains at SWA?

[ATRCAPT]

Just curious if any turbo prop people are getting interviews at SWA. I realize this web site is a very sample of applicants, but it seems everyone who gets an interview has jet time. I'm wondering if I should go somewhere for jet time. What do ya think?

 

[SWA GUY]

If I were you I'd keep building Turb PIC. SWA has hired many folks who have never pushed up thrust levers. There are plenty of post 9/11 pilots here from the military that either flew the 130 or flew helos and got their fixed wing time in the T-34C or King Air.

Also plenty of post 9/11 pilots here that got their time in the B-1900, E-120, ATR, 402 or Dash 8. Maybe a few lucky ones that flew the Junkstream.

Hang in there!

 

[saabcaptain]

I am a turboprop CA, and I have a likely Feb class date at SWA. From my tiny company nearly a dozen CA's have interviewed in just the last few months. We hear SWA likes turboprop guys a lot (and we have had many go to SWA in the last 5 years and we only have 150-170 on the seniority list) and have zero prejudice like JetBlue which really seems to want the PIC JET.

I can't wait for Dallas... what a great airline, it still is surreal I get to be a part of it.

PS: SWA Guy I have "Junkstream 31" time... what a neat plane, glad I flew it!

 

[ATRCAPT]

saabcaptain -

You're my hero! You totally just gave me hope! Thanx!

 

[yucca]

I was a check airman at SWA for four years. I had many new hire IOE's who had turbo prop back grounds. I personally never had a problem getting any pilot with a turbo prop background thru IOE. If you have good basic pilot skills and you are eager and willing to be part of a great company, we will bend over backwards to get you up to speed and online.

 

[beechdriver]

I''ve been a regional prop guy for the last 6 years, and am currently in line for training at SWA. Like Saabcaptain, we have had quite a few pilots hired by Southwest in the past, and a number more are waiting for interviews. I can't speak for anyone else, but in my case staying put and building the PIC time was definately a good choice!

Best of luck to you!

 

[miles otoole]

Dad-in-Law is a sim instructor, 30,000 hour retired SWA CA, and regularly says many of the best new hires are mostly turbo-prop folks, Not that it will get one hired, but.............

 

[TexaSWA]

PS: SWA Guy I have "Junkstream 31" time... what a neat plane, glad I flew it!

JUNKSTREAM? ...YEAH WELL I FLEW A METRO... I HAVE TO TYPE THIS WAY SO I CAN HEAR MYSELF!!!

I imagine you understand, having Garrets next to you for awhile. I had some jet SIC but all of my pic was turboprop and it worked for me. Some guys in my class had all turboprop, some all jet, some civ, some mil... I think SWA has realized that quality people come from all backgrounds. My idea would to be to build yourself up to about 1800 - 2000 turbine pic no matter what it is in. After that go for a 121 job if youre not flying one already, even if it means going back to right seat. SWA wants progression. You could explain a move from 135 captain to 121 fo as progression towards 121 captain. Not that its that much different, but it might help to get you hired.

 

[DH200]

Don't worry about it. I flew the Saab around the Northeast for nine years before coming to SWA in 2003. The first time flying a jet was my Type training at HPA. The first time in the real deal was during IOE. If I can do it, anyone can.

 

[luv2fly]

Me too

HEY TEXAS,

I COULDN'T HEAR YOU! DID YOU SAY YOU FLEW THE DEATH TUBE? ME TOO! WHAT? HUH?

ATR, Don't worry about the Turb vs. Jet arguement just get the time. Including myself and Texas I personally know a couple of others that had zero Jet PIC, it was all Turbo-Prop Cappy time. Just get the time and keep updating your app.

Good Luck

 

[dink]

ATRCPT, with your 737 type and atr pic experiance its just a matter of time. There are numerouse ameican eagle guys here with only turbo prop hours. U got the quals. Now, like Chase always says use this time while u are waiting to get ready for the interview. keep networking..... you can find us nation wide in one of about 75 different hotel bars nightly. U need those recomendations for that enevidable interview.

Good luck to u.......