Originally Posted by
80emb145
Tomorrow starts a new hire class in which they're changing something about how class will be taught. This particular question was one of the last asked at the end of the day, so I can't quite remember what those details were.
But with that said, Rocky mentioned that if this new training structure goes well without extra sim time needed and what not, then the 500hr PIC min will be reevaluated.
They completely realize that they need to be competitive in recruitment which means lowering their mins. The 737 type req was the first in dropping their mins. They want to continue to do so, but keep up with their quality hires along the way.
I know that's all vague, but that's what I remember.
For folks that are interested and have over the mins, this event is a must attend, however, they were quick to point out that while there
may be a 'future'
qualified pilot shortage for the majors, there is
not one now.
I drilled down on this during a one-on-one with a HR rep after the event, specifically the 1000 TPIC.
I meet all of the mins, meeting the mins does not equal being competitive. And that's what the HR rep told me (very nicely)!
I asked what was competitive, and was told 4000-5000 hrs.
I don't see why Southwest would drop their turbine PIC to 500 when 1000 is not even competitive.
Rocky also said they have 6000 or so applicants, and out of those numbers maybe +/- 3000 are in the hunt ( based on availability, etc). He said he has to share those applicants with UA/AA/DL etc.
Rocky also said that they are hiring based on training capacity. At least 550 new-hire pilots in 2017 with 11 sims. In late 2017/2018, the new sim building will be up and running with initially 18 sims, with the ability to expand to 26 sims.
Rocky said the future plan is to hire as many as they can train based on sim capacity.
I came away from the event - with no doubt that Southwest is a first class operation and if you don't have to commute, or the commute to their base is very simple, Southwest is the place to be.
I also know that while I more than meet their minimums, I am not competitive. These job fairs are not silver bullets and there is no shortage of competitive qualified applicants for the majors.
Toil on forgotten airline pilot generation - the jobs are coming - be prepared / no DUI's and above all else, don't lie.