Stitches

Take a look at some of the other hiring threads but I think non-mil guys are getting hired with around 5000-7000 hours. I don’t think a lateral move to a place like Silver would be all that smart unless you’re prepared to stay there for quite a while.

Squallrider

I don’t understand how you can be
Promised that you can be a lca if you don’t even work there yet...by that reasoning you can be a lca at any conpany

fenix1

Is anyone aware of reasons - other than minimal/moderate SWA presence in Horizon's backyard in the Northwest - that SWA didn't hire any Horizon pilots in the period represented by the pie chart? Does SWA shy away from Horizon folks because they entirely/mainly flew turboprops (Q400's)? Has there been cultural issues at SWA with Horizon pilots in the past? Any other reasons?

I'm looking hard at Horizon and - down the road - seeking to be competitive for SWA so curious to learn what I can about literally zero SWA hires coming from Horizon and grateful for any insight.

Squallrider

I’m more curious for your reasoning for looking at horizon. As for your question I don’t believe there’s any negative to people getting hired from there, it’s probably more due to size of pilot group and where ppl with in that group want to end up geographically

RJSAviator76

If I’m not mistaken, Horizon has traditionally had long upgrade times and up until recently we had a 1000 TPIC requirement as well.

Furthermore, don’t most Horizon pilots live in the NW? Assuming you live in your Horizon domicile, getting on with Alaska means no commuting while getting on at Southwest means you’ll commute for the rest of your career.

Just a WAG...

at6d

Did any apply and interview during that period?

fenix1

Thanks a lot and I appreciate it. Biggest draw to Horizon is that it’s the only western wholly-owned regional, but the flying also sounds really challenging (plenty of weather and unique approaches).

If I was fortunate enough to earn an opportunity with SWA, we’d relocate to DEN & hold that base as soon as possible. How senior is DEN for SWA on both FO & CA sides?

fenix1

I understand that Horizon’s upgrade times have dropped considerably in recent years to the point where they’re comparable (or perhaps even better than) most regionals at this point. I’m concerned about 5/6th of Horizon’s current equipment being turboprops, but it’s SUPPOSED to transition to a 50/50 split with E-175’s within a couple years and, frankly, I’m not sure how concerned to be about the turboprop time - I know it’s not helping me in & of itself, but I’m hoping the challenging flying (Cat III approaches, etc) offsets it some in the eyes of the majors’ hiring authorities.

Thanks a lot for mentioning Alaska and it’s absolutely part of our thinking as well and could be a better fit when all is said & done, but I’ll be curious to see how post-merger (Virgin) Alaska shakes out. SWA’s DEN base has all kinds of appeal to us, although I’m not sure how senior DEN is for both FO’s & CA’s, and my current perception (please correct me if I’m in error due to soft pay or other factors) is that both compensation & QoL would be better at SWA than Alaska. Not to sound like I’m running for office, but I see both airlines as potentially great situations...although I’d make Fat Albert look sad at the Golden Corral if SWA in DEN became a reality for us!

fenix1

Great question, my friend, and perhaps very telling!

rickair7777

I don't think it has to do with props. If anything SWA seems to be more inclined to hire prop trash than most other majors. They sure hired a lot SKW brasilia drivers.