SWA requires a B-737 type, not Higher Power
Wondering why SW requires a B-737 type? Read the book "Nuts"....and it's spelled out in great detail on pages 98-99 in chapter 8: "Act like an owner".
Bottom line: Anyone who is willing to invest in themselves has the type of spirit that SW is looking for.
The type isn't for SW....it's for you. If you're the type of pilot who believes in making an investment in yourself to get ahead...then you've demonstrated a personality trait that is attractive to the unique culture at SW.
Similarly, if you're the type of person who isn't willing to join the crew and do "whatever it takes" to get the turnaround done on time....to meet the customer's needs....to make every flight fun....then you don't belong at SW.
Contrast: the "legacy" airlines who's pilot contracts preclude pilot involvement in other activities....
In my 20 years leading sailors in the navy, I got the chance to command my own small organization (50 folks, two airplanes) on an aircraft carrier deployed overseas. I took on the job as if I was the "owner" of the organization (albeit a small subset of a much larger organization). Later, I moved in to a position supervising others doing the same job.
It became quite obvious which leaders "took ownership" and which did not. Same went for squadron Commanding Officers. Some had it, some did not. Bottom line here: The organizations that had leaders that "took ownership" and "acted like they owned the company" had a sincerely greater desire to see success and as a result, success came.
Although I don't work at SW - but hope to very soon - I do see that part of their recipe' for success is rooted in identifying the personality types that....well....have the "right stuff" to coin an old phrase.
As for Higher Power....perhaps I'm mistaken, but it is my understanding the HP has been trying to align themselves with SW....not the other way around. HP isn't the only joint that gives a B-737 type (they just happen to charge more - hah!).
I recently read a post on the Alaska thread in which a pilot asked about "days off"....a fair question....but indicative of the wrong priority. He should be asking: How much can I contribute? How much can I help to make the company profitable/successful. His question reminded me of an old friend who went to work for United about 12 years ago.
He attended a "professional seminar" and called me to report: They spent the first ten minutes talking about safety. Then they spent two days trying to figure out how much more money they could make and how little they could work....
Well....we know which organization has proved its success and vice versa. No, I'm not a recruiter for SW (nor for the navy). I'm just a pilot looking for a job, like much of the rest of you. I liked the comments from myQ2u and had to say somethign to "lil J" in response to his calling SW "reprehensible". Hope my comments help!!
Fly safe
P.S. SW doesn't have HR....it's called the "People Department"