Former SWA employee getting hired as FO?
 

Hi All,

I'm a current Southwest employee (work in the NOC) hoping to eventually get hired by Southwest as a pilot. Once I complete all of my pilot ratings, I plan on leaving Southwest for a regional. Assuming someone in my situation has a good tenure, will my previous work experience at SWA give me a leg up in getting on as a pilot down the road? Or will it not matter much? Just curious if you all have met people on the line that were in my situation.

Thanks!
MB

I haven’t met anyone at this airline that has done that, but I think you will definitely get some preferential treatment for being a former employee in good standing. Especially at SWA since they are so keen to hire those that fit the culture.

My suggestions would be to get letters of recommendation from your superiors BEFORE you leave and then save those for the time you apply in a few years.

Also, try to put in some face time with as many people that have an influence on pilot hiring as you can (again.....before you leave). Let those people know your plans and desires. Not all of them will be in the same position to influence you getting hired in a few years, but hopefully one or two are still around and that should be a big plus to you when the time comes.

Think H.R. people, chief pilots, check airman, senior directors at the training department., etc.

I’ve known of and talked to people that have done what you’re about to do successfully. For example, we had a B737 cptn at AirTran that was originally a FA there and left to pursue her flying career. She got her ratings, flew for Mesaba and then got re-hired at AT in the pilot class after me. Fantastic person and a good pilot.

You’ve got a good plan but keep in mind that the hiring environment might be drastically different by the time you make it back (probably not going to get better than it is now anyway).

Also, obviously it’s totally your call but please tell me that you’ll be applying to all of the quality carriers once you gain the experience to do so. Good luck and exciting times ahead for you.

The answer is yes. Seek out someone who has done it. There are several pilots who used to work the ramp or other random GO jobs. You will definitely get preferential treatment and will get your old employee number back so you can fake out other crew members who will think you are super senior. Best of luck on your journey.

And whatever you do
 

Do not call out sick! That's the quickest way to get on the ****** list.

Know if someone who worked ramp after furloughed from the 9/11 mess. Got a flying job when Airlines started hiring again and got a job as a FO. Everyone thought he was a requal due to his low seniority number (kept his old number).

Yes it does help. Advice above is good. I’m one of those who boomeranged back. Worked a ground job 16 years ago while a student. I have my old employee number and this was a discussion point at the interview. There are quite a few pilots here that have done this and from my personal experience it is well received. Good luck!

Had 3 such people in my class. I think if you were in good standing when you left, it’s a very positive attribute. In fact there is a box to check on the app if you are a former employee.

Thank you all for the info -- well received. That is reassuring that they even have a box to select for previous employees on the app. I definitely want to observe a sim or two before I leave as well (should be a good learning experience).

Cheers and hoping to see some of you on the line at some point.