Barney17

Go to higher power. A little more expensive but there are some connections there. Will not get you hired but doesn't hurt.

Stallog

I went to K&S last December. There are pros and cons to both companies.

While HP is closer to SWA HQ in Dallas, it is more expensive than K&S and they do not accept Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds to pay for it.

K&S is less expensive, they accept WIA funds, but there isn't a presentation by SWA HR. HOWEVER...every class is visited by the PHX chief pilot (or his rep). My class was able to chat with him for 30-45 minutes about the future of SWA.

FWIW...

Twin Wasp

Actually, HPA does take WIA funds. It depends what state and even county you're in if they want to create any more pilots or not. Texas residents are out of luck but some states still haven't figured it out.

Stallog

My apologies for the bad information. I was basing it off my classmate. She's a resident of Alaska and couldn't get WIA funds for HP, which is why she went to K&S.

supersix-4

I went to Higher Power in January, They are a 1st class operation with ties to SWA. Every one there knows why you are there and they help you as much as possible. They DO take WIA. Judy tarver comes out and talks to the class to help with interview prep. They also have a Pilot recruiter from SWA come out and meet each class. The instructors know thier stuff and are enthusiastic about teaching it to you. It doesnt mean that if you dont get your type there that you wont get a job @ SWA. But if you ask any SWA f/o hired in the last 10 years if they went to HP, My bet is more then half will say yes. Good , Quality training. Plus you get to have a little fun while learning.

AXE758

I am trying to work the WIA funds end of it right now. Higher Power was the one that friends of mine went to in the past. But here's the catch with my state (North Carolina): Higher Power has to go to a website (ncstars.org) and register as a business or they will not appear on "the list" of businesses eligible for the WIA funds from North Carolina. I emailed them a week ago and have not heard back from them. I have checked "the list" recently and still do not see their name on it. The lady who has been emailing with me has been very helpful and friendly and so I'm kinda surprised as I would think they would be a little more eager for my business. I will probably try to call them soon to follow up and actually talk to a person. I went to the website where businesses register and it's a one page form you fill out on line. It's hard not to be a little frustrated.

supersix-4

Axe, Just pick up the phone and call them. Talk to Sandy Sirkel.

AXE758

I did just that right after I posted yesterday. Turns out North Carolina is giving Sandy a bit of a hard time about the "registration." They have told her a couple different things, sent forms and said they would send more of what she needed to do via email, and haven't yet. I sense she may be even more frustrated than I am!!!

I told her I would be glad to do whatever she needed from my end, so I'll wait for a bit and email or call her next week to see how it's going.

George

supersix-4

My friend from Memphis had troubles too. We were going to take class together but he never got TN to work with HPA.

AXE758

Just thought I would provide an update for anyone interested. We got the paperwork straightened out with North Carolina, I did the 4 or 5 meetings that I was required to do (for my state,) took an aptitude test, an "unemployment" test, and qualified for the funds. I got my books, studied like it was a full time job for 5 weeks and then went to training for two weeks at Higher power aviation in Dallas, TX. Great training, school, and people. Completed my checkride last Sunday and got home Monday. There were 3 people in my class total.