Prior 121, age 47, any chance w/ SWA?

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01-22-2020, 10:58 AM

AggieFlyer94

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Prior 121, age 47, any chance w/ SWA?

First time poster on the SWA forum...go easy on me!

My prior121 was ExpressJet ERJ. I am now 47, considering going back to the airlines. I live in Dallas and my career aspiration at this point is SWA FO. I assume 3-5 years at the regionals will be required to be competitive for SWA. My question is, assuming I am 50-52 when I have competitive flight times, what has been your experience with SWA hiring 50ish aged pilots?

I am really trying to understand the “age factor” for being hired. I get there is a LOT that goes into getting hired at SWA.

Thanks all!

01-22-2020, 11:22 AM

WhaleSurfing

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Southwest routinely hires pilots over 50. It’s not an issue, assuming all other experience and requirements are competitive and met. I was hired at 53.

01-22-2020, 01:26 PM

Crockrocket95

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We had 5 or 6 guys in my class that were over 50. Its not an issue.

01-22-2020, 02:33 PM

03sport007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AggieFlyer94

It can be done. I was hired at SW at around your age after a long break from aviation. The rumor at that time was SW wanted 500 hours of recency or 2 years. As soon as I hit 500 hours I got a call for a interview. Who knows what the secret sauce is but I had a lot of management/leadership experience. Good luck!

01-22-2020, 06:08 PM

rightseat

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Ditto - the oldest guy in our class was 59.

01-23-2020, 03:54 AM

AggieFlyer94

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Thanks for the information! You all are awesome!

01-23-2020, 07:44 AM

Slowflying

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AggieFlyer94

I’m 47 and start training next month at SWA. I do not have any 121 time but I do have 7000 hrs TPIC, 4000+ 135, LCA, and a degree. No internal references and I didn’t attend any job fairs. Applied once and got hired. I consider myself very lucky. Good luck.