B-737 type for SWA
 

Assuming SWA interviews this year, do you think not getting a B-737 type due to the economic status will hurt your chance for employment there?

It seemed that the type was becoming less of an issue as far as getting an interview, plenty of guys got called without it. Not sure if they will shift direction on that when hiring resumes.

Personally, I am reluctant to get a 73 type without a job offer. In addition to the money, a 73 type on your ticket with no operational experience tells any other airline who interviews you that they are not your first choice.

Thanks Rick. I've interviewed at a few places that ask if you have a 73 type.

SWA changes with the tide - if you are in a competitive hiring environment then you'll probably find that having the type is necessary for interview. They always require the type for hiring, but relax the requirement for interview if they are finding it tough to fill their interview sessions with those how already have it.

Since this type requirement is such a well-known fact, all airlines are savvy and will look for it on your resume or ticket. Every employer out there wants to know you really want to work for them (it's all about ROI, my friend) so they will inquire if you have obtained it. This certainly doesn't mean you won't get the "other" airline job, they know the score and the competitive environment. You'll just have to be a little more convincing that you won't jump from their ship once SWA starts hiring again or invites you to interview.

Hope that helps

First off, hi Lori. I dealt with you and was one of the many pilots hired at the regional you were working at in 2004. You were great to work with. After 4 years at that job I was hired by US Airways and flying out of Charlotte, which was great for me since that is where I live!! Unfortunately I was furloughed in January, so here we are again!

A couple questions:

Forgive my ignorance, but what is ROI?

Second question is: I may have a way that part or most of a 737 type rating might be paid for. So I think this may be worth it to me. If I interview with someone else, do you think it would "fly" to tell them that I couldn't pass up such an opportunity just simply because it adds to my qualifications and makes me more marketable?

Third question: If I remember right, wasn't there a specific recommended place where folks were going to get 737 type?

Thanks.

Hi AXE!

It's always so nice to re-connect with folks from the past - great to hear from you...well, sort of. :o

Not a dumb question - ROI is Return on Investment. Dollars... my friend. Will they make $$ out of their investment in you...

Yes, I would say your explanation regarding the type is absolutely viable and most certainly realistic. Nobody can really argue with that. This is really true of anyone who obtains the type - it's just important to remember NOT to BS the interviewers. They know the game. If you have the opportunity for some or all of the type to be paid for by someone else, why wouldn't you get it? :eek:

There are a few places to obtain the type. I know K&S is right there in PHX, not sure if they're still doing it or not. I believe the other place is Higher Power in Dallas. I'm sure there are more and some other folks will chime in (hopefully) with recommendations...

Sorry to hear about our furlough. Unfortunately I know quite a few people on furlough these days. Hopefully you have lots of lines in the water....someone has to bite sooner or later.

Lori

pic or sic type swa
 

i am just curious about swa requirement
they want you to be typed in a b737 but does it have to be
a pic type or is a sic type acceptable ? legally to fly co-pilot sic
would all you need but of course with hundreds or thousands
applying with a pic type chances are youd never get a call. lol
one can get an sic for about half the cost
thanks

If you look at their web page it says:

Southwest Airlines Pilot Application Requirements:

• Certificates / Ratings: U.S. FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. Unrestricted1 U.S. Type Rating on a B-737 not required for interview but required for employment.

1 The only restriction or limitation Southwest Airlines will accept is "B-737 CIRC. APCH. - VMC ONLY"
2 A candidate may apply without a B-737 Type Rating. If a candidate interviews and successfully completes the entire selection process, he/she has six months from that date to obtain a B-737 Type Rating to be eligible for hire.

thanks twin wasp for answering my question !

I asked this question because it seemed to me that there was a "recommended" place to do it once upon a time. It had something to do with some "connection" between the sim instructors and Southwest. It's been a while since someone mentioned it to me, so it may not exist anymore, I'm not sure.:cool:

I will check out the two you mentioned. Thanks!!

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.:confused:

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

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!!!:confused: :rolleyes:

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

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

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.:cool:

Has anyone used Pan Am out of MIA for B737NG type?