Originally Posted by larryfxlast (Post 2618752)

I mentioned this in the career building page, however I thought I would take a chance and converse with some of my cohearts :P.

I'm a 27 year old, 28 next Friday! DAL based employee. I work in the hangar etc. Etc.

I have an eviscerating desire to fly our 737s.

I'm working towards my license and ratings; going to build time, but I can't help but to fear one major empass. The regional time....

No doubt this experience is necessary for me to be competitive, and acquiring the coveted 1500 TPIC looks daunting, when doing research on junior FO regional bids and maintaining SWA employment if I desire anythig resembling a life (but it can be done). Or I could look for cargo or a small 135 pax carrier flying turbo prop.

That being said. Will there come a time where I just have to bid SWA farewell and a "hope to see you later"? We've had had 4 hangar employees go internally to FOs in the past and naturally they aren't around for me to ask how they did it!

Originally Posted by tomgoodman (Post 2620100)

Nobody has an eviscerating desire to fly a MadDog. It takes guts. :p

Originally Posted by full of luv (Post 2620054)

Eviscerating huh.... don't be bringing that hangar talk into the cockpit!

Originally Posted by StayFrosty (Post 2620248)

I’m a boomerang so I guess I speak from experience. Get your time as quick as possible. Turbine PIC and if you can become a Check Airman...it won’t hurt.

While still here, network with as many people as you can within the hiring group and set yourself up for success. Everyone here will want to help you achieve your dream.

You will most likely need to leave and return later but as mentioned before, you will keep your employee number. Mine was waiting for me...16 years later.

I’m a PM away should you need some advice.

Originally Posted by RJSAviator76 (Post 2618776)

First and foremost... do you have a 4-year degree? If not, you'll need it.

Secondly, plenty of folks come back, but they are usually competitive in every other aspect. I know a few pilots who started off as CSA's and FA's. For example, there's a captain in MDW who started here as a FA. She had a degree, went to a regional full time, and applied back once she met the minimum requirements. She was hired back and kept her employee number. Conversely, I know a former ramper who was arguably the biggest SWA cheerleader I ever knew. Her looks and personality would probably make her the poster girl for Southwest Airlines. She has several thousand hours TPIC, 737 type, great community service... no call. She's at AA now due to flowthrough. Reason? No degree.

Originally Posted by MidnightHauler (Post 2625394)

My dad was a SWA captain for 10 years. Retired years ago because of the age limit. He doesn't have a degree, but military background instead. I also know several other pilots there with no degree and a few who got hired with no TPIC time. Stop discouraging others with the degree BS. This isn't Delta.

Originally Posted by MidnightHauler (Post 2625394)

My dad was a SWA captain for 10 years. Retired years ago because of the age limit. He doesn't have a degree, but military background instead. I also know several other pilots there with no degree and a few who got hired with no TPIC time. Stop discouraging others with the degree BS. This isn't Delta.