College Degree
Worked in Public Relations for multiple years before I decided I wasn't cut out for corporate America.
Flight Instruction
Tours of the Grand Canyon
Small Plane Freight - Ameriflight
Regional Airline for 8 years during the lost decade
Applied to SWA for multiple years without getting the 737 type rating
Finally got an interview without the type and a job offer before investing in the type rating
Never looked back.

It is a great job and I work with lots of fun folks.

Damn Zap, you’ve really been through it. Kudos to you for sticking it out.

Thanks man. It’s been an adventure! Still another 17 years to go!


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4 year degree age 21
worked
private pilot age 25
Air Force OTS, UPT
AF 7 years - early out 1992
SWA

I've been here a little over 20 years, so the details of my story are by now almost completely inconsequential. I was regional turbo-props for a blessedly short time, then here. Back in the late 90s, by comparison, it wasn't all that 'cool' to come to SWA (only reason they actually hired my dumb a$$). Then came 9-11 and suddenly I looked like a frigg'n genius.

This crazy career we've chosen....what a crap shoot.

This is the most honest post I’ve ever seen on APC. I salute you sir!


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13 years as an AF jet engine mechanic and fighter crew chief.

Used VA benefits to go to flight school in Ft Lauderdale.

Couple hundred hours of flight instructor and working at an FBO.

Five years of Learjet charters.

17 years at a regional as a Brasilia and RJ Pilot.

Degree in 2015 (get the degree! I’d still be at a regional without it)

SWA in 2017

Other than spending 10 years at the commuters before SW, this is exactly my story.