I wonder if his excuse was valid? Did he oversleep? NO GO if he did. Hard to imagine being late without some VERY extenuating circumstances...

 

Its a long upgrade at Southwest now--probably for about 30%-40% of the total new pilot group. I'd hazard no less than 15 years and easily could push to 20 years. This is my third airline experience inside of 5 years (all 121 major level). Without doubt, it is the strongest, best opportunity that I've been afforded. F/O pay is, of course, highly competitive in the market. The excellent retirement 401k makes the time-value of F/O money, earned today, go much farther because of the strong match and quality payrates. The current pilot bidding/scheduling system has incredible freedom (heads above what I experienced before). The basing system covers the country ( 3 West, 1 Future Mountain, 3 Central, 2 East). New-hires this year, I believe, have held every base except for DAL.

In 8 years, I might be an 75-80% F/O. In 16 years, if growth and stability returns to airline work (ha!), I might be 50% and able to be a junior captain in my mid-fifties. 8 years ago, I drew down on islamist and baathist insurgents during house to house action in Fallujah. An upgrade is not always a Captaincy.

I'm not a rah! rah! type, but life has afforded me, through some difficult circumstances, some pragmatism and perspective. Of course, perspective is subjective to individual. Right now, my perspective is that SWA has fun flying and is a very strong employer. I would undoubtedly consider SWA again if I were seeking pilot employment at the top 121 and cargo carriers.

 

It really was simple, he got the time wrong. I have done it myself, just not on my IOE. Again I am not insinuating that this is exclusive to any group. I personally have had my watch set to Herb time (central) for 20+ years. It drives my wife nuts.

I am absolutely serious that I was looking forward to saying welcome aboard and was disappointed when I did not get to. If I am in the lounge or on a trip I will be extending my hand to ALL former AT folks. That includes those who are still wearing AT uniforms.

The Oscar

 

I think the question isn't whether you would work for SWA, but whether the AT folks (especially some here on APC) WILL work for SWA. I believe some have indicated that they are trying to go somewhere else. I would encourage them to do so if they will be miserable here. Frankly we have enough to deal with and having anyone here that doesn't want to be here is, well................

Before everybody flames on me as arrogant (most pilots are), I absolutely believe that very few of the AT folks will come over and be anything but great employees. If the SLI is something that is going to make you miserable then please go somewhere else. I am not being mean, just realistic.

The Oscar