First, congrats to all, especially those who just jumped into the pool this month. I haven't heard the results from this DB, but I guestimate about 135 in the pool.

For those that are already terminal / unemployed, I got some advice from someone at work to take a look at BGI. Try googling it, as they hold a lot of temp aviation specific contracts and a lot of airline guys tell me they use them for part time work. They primarily look for military types, but it's worth a look for all. For me, I extended active duty until June, but will probably start talking to them anyways. Good luck all, and hopefully we won't get too wrinkly in the pool awaiting class dates. Bacon

Congratulations to everyone who got the nod. I just jumped in today myself and couldn't be more excited to be treading water down here at the back end pool. Best of luck to everyone out there. I wish you all the best.

Count me in too. Got the call a couple of days ago and I am thrilled to say the least. Hopefully the outlook for classes will improve so we won't be treading h2o for too long.
TPM

Any of you MIL types that went to Higher Power use VA benefit's? If so - I would appreciate some info on the process. Thanks and congrats to everyone!

PUKE

I just did it in July. The important part is that you call the VA and get your VA benefits started. Once you do this and have the number HPA takes care of everything else. They will send you all the paperwork you need to fill out and even put labels on the things you need to sign. Even if you did nothing at all until you got to HPA the woman that does this stuff is so helpful and can totally take care of this when you get there. Once they have made sure all your forms are good they package it up and send it off for you. HPA literally holds your hand all the way through it.

All in all I think I spent somewhere around $3,500 out of pocket after my VA stuff. Good luck.

Junior SWA Bases
 

I know this question has been discussed fairly recently in these threads, but I was wondering what everyones thoughts are currently for what might be the junior domicile assignments for all us poolies once we finish training (hopefully sometime in '09)?

I know Oakland is always a top contender, but anybody's thoughts on other possible bases initially?

"Letter" quetion
 

Hello, I interviewed with Southwest in October and I received "the letter" yesterday. I have a question about the contents though. My references were contacted about a week after the intereview and feedback was positive. When I got the letter, it said that "after a thorough review, it was deteremined you did not possess a required qualification. You can always get the qualification and reapply at a later time." Did anyone else get this letter or understand what it means? I am a 10-year Air Force A-10 pilot who was a former T-37 IP. I have more than enough hours in every category. I have no criminal or DUI records. The intereview seemed like it went well (as I'm sure probably everyone thinks that). I'm not the greatest pilot in the world but I have also not done anything hugely bad, like crash or break something or even bust a checkride. I have my commercial, ATP and 737 type. Does anyone know what they are talking about, or why they wouldn't ask me about it before, during, or even after the interview to clarify? Thanks.

Tango, haven't heard of that letter before. Have heard of them finding people had less than required mins and booted them from training, but obviously you don't fit into that category. Honestly, if I were you, I'd call or email one of the girls in PD and specifically ask. It's been my experience that they are more than willing to help and answer any questions. If that doesn't work post again here and I'll ask one of the chief pilots if that is a standard letter or what. Good Luck.

On the last award there were about 48 new hires. 4 or 5 got PHX, the rest are in OAK. I have been here since may and can hold any base but BWI.

Thank you exp96
 

I truly appreciate the information based on your recent experience.

My wife and I have been talking about eventually picking Las Vegas after reserve in OAK.

LAS is probably the most convenient for various family reasons.