armypilot

I was curious what the chances are for an Army rotary/fixed wing pilot (2000 hrs fixed wing/2400 hrs rotary) to get an interview invite without any jet time?

All my time is in the various Army C-12's. I did the Wheels Up/Part 135 thing for a minute, but still in a King Air. Currently doing the contracting thing in Afghanistan. I have a CJO from Envoy but won't be able to start until sometime in the summer due to finances and a baby due the beginning of June.

I was just curious if there was a chance to getting an interview prior to getting to Envoy?

Second question.......Are there any regionals to consider that are better than the others, or any I should stay away from? I'd highly consider Mesa knowing that I could land in IAH or DFW right off the bat. Otherwise I'll most likely be commuting to ORD or LGA with Envoy.

Thanks!!
AP

Proximity

I'd do Envoy before Mesa. At Envoy you have the flow to AA, and it's known as a better company overall. I can't imagine it would take long to get DFW as a base.

tr4a

The old requirement was 1,000 hours PIC TURBINE time. Jet or turboprop.

saab2000

I have flown with a number of folks here who never flew a jet before coming to Southwest.

Put in your application, keep it current and up to date on Pilot Credentials and hope for that e-mail.

You won't get an interview if you don't apply.

armypilot

Oh believe me, my app is in and I update my Pilot Credentials quite frequently. I applied to every application window this past year, but due to my schedule wasn’t able to attend WAI or OBAP and wasn’t quick enough on my computer to secure a spot to any of the in house events. I know it’s not the same as previous conferences, but I will be attending WAI this year. I was just looking for that little bit of hope to hang onto that SAAB2000 was able to provide.

More specifically on me, retired Army, 4 yr degree, and over 1000 hrs fixed wing PIC. However I was never an instructor or anything like that. I meet all the old requirements, but there’s not really anything that truly makes my resume stand out unfortunately.

Otterbox

Last time I talked to the people department folks (Septemberish) they said as long as someone meets minimums, has a 4 year degree and a 737 type rating they’ll get an interview because those two things are the largest points grabbers the way their app is scored (they also said the type rating is no longer a requirement).

All of the guys I knew in ISR who got selected for a SWA interview had the type rating. Most of the guys from ISR I knew who interviewed got a TBNT. There was the general feeling that SWA either viewed ISR guys as mercinaries (allegedly one got called that by a female Pilot during an interview) or a flight risk to the legacies (most of the TBNT guys were at delta within 24 months).


IF you’re feeling daring you could always get a 737NG type before you start at Envoy to get yourself that check in the box and the 121 check in the box. You’re flying ISR so you’re one of those folks who could have the schedule flexibility to do it and extend a rotation 2 weeks to fund it if you really wanted to.... Either way, friends don’t let friends go to Mesa. Go to Envoy and keep you apps out.

saab2000

I've never instructed either. I did have a 737 type rating and had the advantage of having time on type. So I would maybe pursue those opportunities if they're available. Check all the caveats and details though. They're usually not free.

If they know you're their kind of employee and know you'll breeze through training you'll likely get a call. There are a few places which train on the 737 right now and they're hiring.

I never knew I wanted SWA until they called me and I interviewed. Never talked to them at a career fair but when they called, I answered and I'm glad I did. Hang in there and look at all the byways to the destination you don't even know you're looking for. This is the best job I've ever had and while it's not perfect, it's pretty damn good. I'm on board and probably will be until I'm done flying.

RckyMtHigh

Personally know of several ISR guys interviewed and hired here. None were type rated so don’t be discouraged by that. However, it’s all about max points on your app to get past the computer gatekeeper. That applies not only at SWA but really everywhere worth going as a career destination. If you are only building time and not adding to your application (instructor, safety, new type ratings, etc) then you should look at doing something different like getting that 121 box checked and/or a 737 type rating box checked.

BarrySeal

YEARS ago, some folks flew EMB Banderantes for ASA from SJT to DFW at 9000 feet and got hired at SWA

BarrySeal

ISR dudes can be "different" you and I both know that.