Assuming SWA interviews this year, do you think not getting a B-737 type due to the economic status will hurt your chance for employment there?

It seemed that the type was becoming less of an issue as far as getting an interview, plenty of guys got called without it. Not sure if they will shift direction on that when hiring resumes.

Personally, I am reluctant to get a 73 type without a job offer. In addition to the money, a 73 type on your ticket with no operational experience tells any other airline who interviews you that they are not your first choice.

Thanks Rick. I've interviewed at a few places that ask if you have a 73 type.

SWA changes with the tide - if you are in a competitive hiring environment then you'll probably find that having the type is necessary for interview. They always require the type for hiring, but relax the requirement for interview if they are finding it tough to fill their interview sessions with those how already have it.

Since this type requirement is such a well-known fact, all airlines are savvy and will look for it on your resume or ticket. Every employer out there wants to know you really want to work for them (it's all about ROI, my friend) so they will inquire if you have obtained it. This certainly doesn't mean you won't get the "other" airline job, they know the score and the competitive environment. You'll just have to be a little more convincing that you won't jump from their ship once SWA starts hiring again or invites you to interview.

Hope that helps

First off, hi Lori. I dealt with you and was one of the many pilots hired at the regional you were working at in 2004. You were great to work with. After 4 years at that job I was hired by US Airways and flying out of Charlotte, which was great for me since that is where I live!! Unfortunately I was furloughed in January, so here we are again!

A couple questions:

Forgive my ignorance, but what is ROI?

Second question is: I may have a way that part or most of a 737 type rating might be paid for. So I think this may be worth it to me. If I interview with someone else, do you think it would "fly" to tell them that I couldn't pass up such an opportunity just simply because it adds to my qualifications and makes me more marketable?

Third question: If I remember right, wasn't there a specific recommended place where folks were going to get 737 type?

Thanks.

Hi AXE!

It's always so nice to re-connect with folks from the past - great to hear from you...well, sort of.

Not a dumb question - ROI is Return on Investment. Dollars... my friend. Will they make $$ out of their investment in you...

Yes, I would say your explanation regarding the type is absolutely viable and most certainly realistic. Nobody can really argue with that. This is really true of anyone who obtains the type - it's just important to remember NOT to BS the interviewers. They know the game. If you have the opportunity for some or all of the type to be paid for by someone else, why wouldn't you get it?

There are a few places to obtain the type. I know K&S is right there in PHX, not sure if they're still doing it or not. I believe the other place is Higher Power in Dallas. I'm sure there are more and some other folks will chime in (hopefully) with recommendations...

Sorry to hear about our furlough. Unfortunately I know quite a few people on furlough these days. Hopefully you have lots of lines in the water....someone has to bite sooner or later.

Lori

i am just curious about swa requirement
they want you to be typed in a b737 but does it have to be
a pic type or is a sic type acceptable ? legally to fly co-pilot sic
would all you need but of course with hundreds or thousands
applying with a pic type chances are youd never get a call. lol
one can get an sic for about half the cost
thanks

If you look at their web page it says:

Southwest Airlines Pilot Application Requirements:

• Certificates / Ratings: U.S. FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. Unrestricted1 U.S. Type Rating on a B-737 not required for interview but required for employment.

1 The only restriction or limitation Southwest Airlines will accept is "B-737 CIRC. APCH. - VMC ONLY"
2 A candidate may apply without a B-737 Type Rating. If a candidate interviews and successfully completes the entire selection process, he/she has six months from that date to obtain a B-737 Type Rating to be eligible for hire.

thanks twin wasp for answering my question !

I asked this question because it seemed to me that there was a "recommended" place to do it once upon a time. It had something to do with some "connection" between the sim instructors and Southwest. It's been a while since someone mentioned it to me, so it may not exist anymore, I'm not sure.

I will check out the two you mentioned. Thanks!!