Upgrade at SWA

[dcman]

Anyone know if the upgrade is still in the 5 year ballpark at SWA? A buddy of mine mentioned it was looking like it could be as little as 3 years very soon. Who's got the magic crystal ball?

 

[canyonblue737]

it is actually about 6.

 

[ScudB]

SWAPA Numbers

I ran the numbers for me on the SWAPA site. Based on current forecast retirements and aircraft buys, looks like 5.5 to 6 years.

 

[ivauir]

5 years - Um no. Not really even close, I could lance (FO line can pick up Captain trips) at the junioir base in 6 years. True Captain at thee most junior base in about 6.5. I shudder to think how long until I can hold a Captain line in PHX .... probably more than 7.

Using SWAPA's handy dandy "senority projector" if we added 60 more airplanes than expected before 2008, I'd be a 5 year lance captain. 90 extra airplanes gets me true captain in 5 years (at the junior base). 120 extra planes gets me captian in 4.5 years.

Please don't mistake my tone, I love it here and I never expected a 5 year upgrade. 7 is a reasonable expectation these days, 3 year and 5 year upgrades are long gone and I don't expect them to ever return. Actually, if we were to double in size in three years I think we'd be in trouble.

 

[chase]

One perspective:


I was told in new hire in late '99 by the company upgrade would occur in 7 years.

Union rep said 9 years.

Upgrades in '99 were occurring as early as 4.8 years.

For me to upgrade to Lance Capt (bid as an FO, give away trips, fly as a CA) will probably occur around the 6 yr point or slightly later. If I wait for a hard line at the first available base it will be closer to 6.5 years.

As others have said it ain't a bad gig....just so you know, the minimum pay raise expected for all pilots this year (Sept '05) will be approximately 3.88%...if the numbers for the company come out better for the 2nd qtr that number could rise slightly, but if not then the raise will be as stated.

As others have stated though this isn't a bad gig....hope that helps.

 

[dcman]

Thanks for the info. Thought it sounded overly optimistic. You all believe SWA will 8,000 strong by 2012?

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Thanks for the info. Thought it sounded overly optimistic. You all believe SWA will 8,000 strong by 2012?

I'd be surprised if SWA didn't go from <5000 pilots now to 6000-8000 by 2012.

BTW the 6 year upgrade estimate from SWAPA includes retirements. If the age 60 rule changes then 100-120/year retirements will be delayed.

 

[TexaSWA]

It also assumes that everyone upgrades at their earliest opportunity which is usually not the case.

 

[aa73]

It also assumes that everyone upgrades at their earliest opportunity which is usually not the case.

At least you guys don't have that lame rule of forced upgrade we have at AA.

 

[chase]

Actually we do, however folks can bid back to be a Lance Capt (allowing one to bid as an FO) but one is still required to take the CA checkride.....Herb was big into making sure folks strive to upgrade....whether that rule stays as the company grows or not I don't know but we do have the requirement.

 

[Bobby Orr 4]

I ran the numbers for me on the SWAPA site. Based on current forecast retirements and aircraft buys, looks like 5.5 to 6 years.

This should make you thankful...upgrade in a turbo-prop at Eagle is 6.5 years. Yikes!!

 

[C77MD80]

So your 3 year rumor is just that. More like 5 1/2 - 7 years (age 65 retirement).


Ski

65? Why do u say 65? That would be age discrimination..