Hunt599

Did anyone go to this on Saturday June 10th?
I didnt get the opportunity to make it and was wondering what it was all about.

SWAjet

A great turnout, somewhere in the ballpark of 900 wannabe's. Who was there can can spill the details?

Don Q

It was great...
A lot of good people out there.
It was a well organized event. They said it was NOT a meet and greet, but the good things is they had a sign-up list, so they will know who attended. I believe that it shows interest in working for SWA, they will know if you were there. They also had prizes, which a few of them (I think four) were interviews, if you had the minimum requirements. I met a pilot who won one of the interview, but was short of the 1300 PIC by 150+ hours, so they exchanged it for a "Nuts" book, some lucky guy got the interview.
If I was going to take a few highlights out the whole event, I would say go get the type rating, and apply NOW!, they will be hiring like crazy.
As soon as I review my notes, I'll provide more info...
While there, I was wondering on all the people that attended, what was the percentage of people with/without the type rating. I'm guessing about 60% didn't have the type, me being one of them.

Sorry for the disorganized thoughts, I just got back from TX, after a long day of flying.

Cheers,

C5Guy

I have a question from the seminar. I understand that "other" hours are not counted toward PIC, but do you list them when SWA asks for your TOTAL hours in the aircraft?

bschref

The way I understood it, they don't want "Other" included in any numbers on the app.

Slice

Good to see you, bro...good luck this week!

Tomct

Great event! Was an EXCELLENT day all the while meeting lots of interesting new people. I wish that I would have won one of those peanut bags. I don't have the type yet, but I am in the process!! Great turnout and according to one of my friends that is a pilot there, the fact that you have your name on the list is BIG. I hope to get the call soon!

Beachboy

It was a great event! We were told 800-900 in attendance but many were not currently qualified. They went over the history of the company, milestones, accomplishments, etc., then had a series of speakers including cheif pilots, training dept, people dept, etc. They stressed honesty and accuracy on the applications, and just be yourself if you get an interview. Planning to hire 3000 in the next 5 years. Interviewing about 20% non-typed people right now but may go up in the future. 1300 PIC turbine is a hard number it seems. SWA referral is not required, but you will need 3 letters from people who have flown with you recently (anybody).

They talked about potential upgrade time is about 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 years, and that it has been this way for quite a while. Could slow down a little if age 60 gets changed as many think will happen soon. Oakland and Midway are the junior bases but should be able to transfer quickly if desired. I was told on a break by a seasoned SWA pilot that more pilots are hired these days on a first interview than was the case years ago, but it is still probably 20-30% in his estimation. They try to hire about 50% civilian and military.

For those who have interviewed previously, keep trying as a large number of their pilots have interviewed 2 or 3 times before getting hired. All in all it was very informative and light hearted as you would expect. Good Luck!

k3mbbc

There is a good summary of the SWA Open House at FlightInfo.com. Someone took the time to write their notes.

Overall a good day's worth of info and a chance to meet and talk to the people involved in the hiring process.

AirWillie

Well, they're the only ones hiring WN would be my last choice but in 10 years when I will be looking at majors and nobody is hiring, I still wouldn't fly for them. Have you listned to that hiring lady on this site's podcast? She sound like she is F-ing 12! And she is in charge of hiring people. I can't stand that company.