[QUOTE=Eric Stratton]SWAcapt, that is mind bogling to me that you think it is better to require a type rating before you could apply rather than get it after they have been given the job offer. Isn't that just semantics. They still wouldn't meet the job requirements unless they get the type rating.
Eric, I'm sorry that your mind is boggled. I don't know how to be any more clear to you on this subject. There are tens of thousands of pilots that the FAA would deem qualified. SWA is as streamlined as it gets and is not going to employ more people to cull through resume's. They get to choose they way that they cull the wheat from the chaff. If I'm preparring to apply for a job, I'm going to be the most qualified (as to what they are looking for) period. I believe that to offer someone a job contingent upon paying for a type is akin to pay for training. SWA did not require me to get a type rating or a college education or thousands of jet hours. I did all those things on my own volition and then applied for the job. Apparently they liked the 'package' and called me for an interview (personality check).
Am I safe in saying that you don't think it would be a bad thing if all the airlines required a type rating or FE certificate in the airplanes that they fly. The FE written that was required only cost $200 vs. a type that costs $5000-$7000.
No, Eric, you would not be safe to say that. I'm not advocating any such thing. But that said, once again each company is free to set it's own criteria and if I was and applicant, I would want my package to look the best. If I want to set hiring criteria, then I'll need to start my own company.
I know that you don't have to buy the type if you got it at another airline or through an AIR Inc. convension, but it would be interesting to know the % of pilot who bought vs. already had the type.
I don't know of any place to 'buy' a type rating and your getting it at an AirInc convention makes no sense. I contracted with a company (CPT) and studied for 30 days and then went to their facility for training and was given an FAA checkride (no not a designee).
I don't know what else I can say to help you understand these concepts but suggest you may want to concentrate your efforts on some other fine companies such as FedEx, UPS, Airtran, JetBlue, or Alaska. Those that are truley serious about wanting to work for SWA will have a B737 type. I wish you the best in where ever you career search takes you.