Originally Posted by
Fonzo
I have some questions please, haven't been here for some time.
1. is training hard in Southwest, do they just hand you the materials and you're on your own?
2. is there actual teaching, not spoon feeding by at least guiding you to understand the aircraft and operations?
3. is the B-737 as bad as some picture it, comparing it to other aircraft, like everything manual amd flows are everywhere so to speak?
4. how big is the aural material and do you have to know the aircraft inside and out and know all the lights and switches?
5. is there a high washout in SW training and IOE?
6. is comuting to the east coast bad, any time for QOL.
7. any feeds on the technical interview questions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance Y'all.
1. No the training isnt "hard" although I would say it is condensed. If you listen to what they tell you to do and follow the plan, you will be ready at every stage check. It seems like it isnt going to work while you are doing it, but surprisingly it all works out. I think they have a 98% pass rate or something like that.
2. Yes and no, depends on the topic being discussed.
3. In terms of the planes, I have a e175, A320 and 737 type rating. I think the 737 is actually fairly easy to learn and fly. The flows are easy as well once you practice them. I think the main thing people see when they JS on it is the start procedure and think OMG this plane is a relic, but that is the most switch flipping you will do and that's just mainly due to the Bleed/Pack system and its quirks.
4. No you dont need to count rivets if that is what you are asking. They do the oral differently here, at least they used to as word is they are changing it to a written test now. Assuming they are doing it the old way still you basically get up in front of the examiner and walk them through the upper panel. It seems daunting at first but again, follow the program and pacing they tell you and it will be a cake walk. I was really surprised how over prepared we all were for it.
5. No, again I think the number they throw around is 98% pass rate.
6. Yes, true of any airline. Thankfully right now we are basically able to get all but ATL, MCO out of training or within your first true month of IOE.
7. Can't help you here as I went through before they changed everything.
Best of luck and despite all the naysayers, this is good place to work with the biggest drawback being the single type. Overall though amazing crews and the schedule QOL is something I didnt understand until I got out onto the line. It would be hard to give that up.