Originally Posted by HalinTexas

As I former SWA FCTI, I can tell you morale in Lead Ops building ain't all that great. Leadership not so good either. Many are leaving, and I'm not just talking about to the line. Also, understand that training leadership is different than flight ops training and standards leadership.

Mgt. talks the talk, "thank you for all you do," but no contract, only short term "fixes." Much has been offered and suggested, but the company doesn't really care all that much. They think they can ride this pilot hiring push out.

It's an OK job if you don't have a medical or are over 65, or have to commute. Benefits are pretty good. FAs make more money, working the same days.

However, pay is no where near commiserate with what the company is willing to pay check-airman and FOs to come to the training center to the job that FCTIs do. CKAs are paid at least 5X what AQP-Vs are to do MOs. Both have check-airman letters and went through the same (excellent) training to get said letters. Line pilots are limited on what they can teach or events they can administer in the training center. Some line pilots were former FCTIs and came back to teach some. It works well for them!

Unfortunately, too many companies, of all kinds, do NOT respect the instructors they hire. SWA is one of them.