Well it is nice to see that the same old people are still afflicted with HSW syndrome (Hate Southwest). A thread that started with a simple question about internal hiring has degraded into the same tired argument about the type rating requirement at SWA.

Fact is some did not pay for the type rating. Military utilizing the the new GI bill (payed a third), pilots at failed airlines got it paid for through their unemployment benefits, and some recieved "scholarships." So really the tax payer subsidized many of those type ratings. Others went to other airlines and left for SWA once they were typed in the 737. Frankly this discussion is old and boring.

To those who wish to continue calling those who came to SWA desperate for a job (and therefore their only chance of getting a job at a major is to get a type rating), you are fooling yourself. Most if not all had qualifications that far exceeded what the other majors required. Using terminology such as buying your job, last resort, their only chance at an airline job, etc. is obviously a way to try and disparage others when really some are questioning their own career choices (or a least their career fortunes). Make the best of what you have made and we here at SWA will do the same.

The Oscar