Hello,

I am looking at a job at SWA in an office/analyst type role for which I have pertinent experience and a degree for the job. If I were to get the job, does SWA ever hire pilots internally? Do they ever waive the turbine experience requirements for an internal guy that has the 2500TT hours and all necessary ratings? Just kinda feeling out my options...

Thanks!

Yes, they hire pilots internally (when they are hiring).

As far as I know, the flight requirements are not reduced for internal hires.

Patch

I've never heard of them waiving the turbine PIC requirements.

If your priority is SWA you might be able to get into some contract King-air or citation flying, part time working around your day job. It would take a few years to get the PIC, but I imagine your odds of getting into SWA FO would be very high once you meet the mins.

If your priority is airline flying in general, better not hang your hat on one company...you need to get a professional turbine flying job, 121 preferred.

Just remember, if you do not have a 737 type rating...start saving your money to buy it for the pilot job.

In all honesty, it was the best $8000 I have ever spent in my life!

$92/Hr 2nd year FO pay is a pretty good return on investment.

Well, I kinda got a lead on a free/no cost 737 type rating...

Or keep in mind that if you were to go somewhere like United, and work in the office, looking forward to hopefully flying the line there, you'd have to "SAVE MUCH MORE" to withstand living on first year pilot wages.

Let's do a little simple math.

First year at WN- $54/hr x 70hrs/month = $3780/month (Gross)
- $3780/month x 12months = $45,360/year.
- $45,360 - $8,000 type rating = $37,360 first
year pay. (Numbers do not include per diem.)

First year at UA- $33/hr x 70 hrs/month = $2310/month (Gross)
- $2310/month x 12 months = $27,720/year.
- $27,720/year - $0 type rating = $27,720 first
year pay. (Numbers do not include per diem.)

Which would your rather "Save" for Contrail?

Signed,

Vikings Fan

Unfortunately, with no guarantee of a job, there is also this equation:

First year at UA- $33/hr x 70 hrs/month = $2310/month (Gross)
- $2310/month x 12 months = $27,720/year.
- $27,720/year - $8,000 type rating = $19,720 first year pay.

Everyone I know at WN says it was the best money they ever spent too.

"$27,720/year - $8,000 type rating = $19,720 first year pay."

Now that was funny!