Originally Posted by tsquare

The more interesting question is: How will SWA handle the cross pollination of the 717 pilots to the 737.. if they do not possess a 737 type rating? Will they require that they go out and get one? I highly doubt that... but that does begin to drive up costs... And the follow on question would be how could they still "require" (nudge nudge wink wink).. a 737 type rating from prospective new hires when there is a second type on the property? What if you have a DC9 type? Are you a real candidate for employment, or will personnel just circle file your app?. Personally, I wouldn't put a lot of stock in what Kelly says about keeping the airframes on the property for 6-8 years.. why THAT period of time? What is magic about 6-8 years? By then the company will have made a significant investment in the pilot (and in point of fact the rest of the employee groups) that would be foolish to just flush. Not throwing rocks here at all.. but I find this very interesting that a new variable has been inserted into this equation, and it is a lot more complex than many here will accept.. Have fun...