GVAV8TOR

I think Higher Power is about $7300

Riddler

I wouldn't pay for the 737 type at this point. SWA ain't what it used to be. Long upgrades (15 years) and for the first time in the past 10 years, SWA pilots are leaving for other legacy carriers. But it all depends on what you want. If you live near a junior SWA domicile that's co-located with your guard/reserve base, then it's a different story.

AluminumFalcon

I am pondering the same question too, as a T-6A instructor in Pensacola. My thought was that if I took the Higher Power route, it shows that I am trainable in a Boeing aircraft. SWA isn't the only carrier flying 737s. But I am also worried that it would appear that I am gunning for a SWA job, when I just want to have as many qualifications as possible. Thoughts?

Guardguy

I would say MEI add on is the better choice. A 737 type with no hours doesn't look nearly as good as the MEI in your circumstance.

TailHookIP

I heard from a friend in another Major that the 737 type is somewhat frowned upon by all except Southwest. They seem to view you as a Southwest devotee. I have a hard time believing that it matters that much, but who knows. At least they are all hiring, or will be soon.

jhaviator03

Here is my 2 cents on this topic. I have been hired by both jetBlue and US Airways. I am a former C-17 IP and I did go through Higher Power (Post 9/11 GI) about a year and a half ago. The question really comes down to are you planning on using your Post 9/11 bill for anything else? (I was not planning on using it for anything else). If not then look at it this way, when was the last time you went through an initial program? Higher Power is set up much like an airline program in terms of the amount of studying and dedication needed to complete the program successfully. I found it useful as a way to 1. Get my ATP, 2. Dust off the study skills need to be successful in an airline program, 3. Learn to fly an aircraft the way most airlines fly them, i.e. flows rather than read do checklists.

Regardless of what anyone says, SW is still a great place to be, so the type rating helps in that regard. I would agree the the upgrade will be tough but topping out at $151/hr as an FO is not too bad. I chose a different route and am sticking with US Airways for a number of reasons (I live in CLT, quicker upgrade, etc.)

As for the interview I never heard one person ask me about the type. They realize that a lot of us MIL pilots are getting out and using our 9/11 benefits to get our ATP because it is free. I always stated during my interview that when I got out I was looking for a way to get my ATP and had heard good things about the program. I also wanted to challenge myself to get through an initial program which I had not done in about 7 years. For the interview it is all about framing your experience. They already want you, i.e. you are at the interview, they saw you had a 737 type when you applied. So don't worry about it. I am not banging the drum for Higher Power, but I do think it is a professional, well run program, that will not waste your time.

As a side note I also have my FAA instructor ticket, CFI, CFII, MEI. But not a single airline ever asked me about it, because they know most of us take an equivalency test.

Good Luck!

ImTumbleweed

I'll piggyback on this one.

First, best of luck!

Second. I got my ATP with Higher Power (great program, btw). I interviewed at a few legacies (and accepted a job at one).

I interviewed with a 737 type rating at the legacies as a USN fighter guy and I was never asked about it. (Yeah, I'm betting they know a 737 rating means you'd go to SWA).

My "canned answer", if asked, was going to be the same as above. "I wanted to immerse myself into a civilian/heavy type of program that I was unfamiliar with...I wanted to make sure I could hack the program".

Again, never asked about it in the interview (although they looked at my ratings so I'm guessing they noticed).

I decided that if the interview team pressed me hard about the 737 rating after discussing "immersing myself in the civilian/heavy" world I would then confess that "I wanted to make myself as desirable as possible to all hiring companies" (SWA?). Again, it never came up, but that was going to be my answer.

Final point: PAY FOR INTERVIEW PREP! It is invaluable. What a mil guy thinks is a great answer will look and sound horrible when surrounded by HR people. Pay someone to help you through that process. It's 200 bucks....money well spent.

Best of luck on your decisions and future.

Tgarrett

I assume you were never a multi-engine instructor on your previous platform? All the FAA required was an instructor Form 8 and the MCI course to issue the MEI. Hard to say "what" they want (or we'd all have it!). I've heard that it shows initiative on your part...but it's a lot of $$$ for the 737 type!

Spoonman

I had a Whiting T-34C/ P-3C background. No additional ratings other than an ATP and was offered a job with AA, DAL, UAL, and JB.

On a side note, was furloughed at UAL then picked up by DAL. Best thing that could have happened.

Vito

ALERT!! Pay for the 737 type rating out of pocket, Don't WASTE your GI bIll benefit on a 737 type rating. One day you'll have kids and their college tution will be over $150,000 so use the GI bill $$$ for that.
PS I'm not sure if you use your GI Bill $$ for a type rating if you still have $$ leftover or its a one shot deal. Might want to look into that
Good luck