OK, so I gotta find out if anyone else has heard this rumor or not. I should post this under the You've Got to be Spoofing me section, but whatever.

So rumor from a pilot in training at NWA is that there are 500 hour pilots in ground school... Haven't had a chance to check their website but I'm pretty sure that doesn't mean minimums....

For all our sakes I hope he meant 500 Tubine PIC...

Anyone have any real credible information??? Without flaming me perhaps...

I wouldn't be surprised. This is the level of experience that the industry has adopted as a minimum. Before now, I thought this was limited to the regional airlines, but as the availability of experienced pilots willing to work for todays entry-level pay decreases, this type of thing will become the rule, rather than the exception.

Overview:
Pilots are responsible for safe, economical, consistent and legal operation of Company aircraft. They are required to maintain compliance with all applicable federal regulations as well as Northwest Airlines, Inc. policies, standards and procedures. Junior domiciles include: MSP and DTW.


Required Qualifications/Flight Time Minimums:

1500 hours Total flight time
1000 hours Multi-engine
500 hours PIC
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Multi-Engine or ATP Written
First Class Medical
FCC Restricted Radio permit
Valid Passport with the ability to enter and exit all international destinations, including the ability to travel in and out of the United States
Legal authorization to work in the United States
Willingness to work a flexible schedule (including holidays and weekends)
Proficient reading, writing and speaking in English
Effective interpersonal, customer service, organizational, and leadership skills
Pass pre-employment drug screen, medical exam and background check
High School graduate or equivalent (college degree preferred)

http://www.nwa.com/features/pilothire/
Click on 'apply now' and the next page has the above minimums.

It could be true. I know 3 people that i went to college with that work at NWA as ground school instructors for 757 and 747. As part of that i think after a while they get type rated and could possibly get hired a pilot. The rumore you heard could be somone from one of that group..My friend has about 400 hours and was typed in the 757 but is still a ground instructor

DRIVER .... South of the border is worsttttttt. I have 9600 TT with 8600 jet time and I am still waiting for NWA to ring me!!!!!

Special exceptions for people with "special" connections? I'm shocked!!

I recently flew with a relatively low time pilot who used to be an instructor on the A320 at NWA. I wish all pilots I flew with would be as good as he is.

Its not true. Maybe 500TPIC but the only people there with low time are the ATI's. Everyone i have seen or met thats been hired was a Captain somewhere or at another major carrier prior to coming to NWA. FWIW

That Rumor Is Not True.

i would hope not