Does Southwest use non-Southwest pilots for all simulator training or just certain events?

All Southwest training is done by Southwest pilots, directly employed by Southwest Airlines, in a world class training facility.

Some events are conducted by Flight Crew Training Instructors (FCTIs), some by SWAPA pilots, and some by check airmen (also SWAPA pilots).

Full motion simulator training (not checking) is scoped to FCTIs. I might not have the language of this totally correct but this is what it is basically.

All of the above is contractual minutiae from the perspective of a new hire...the training is very good (I said training, not the schedule of which sucks) and you'll have no idea what group your instructor falls into unless you ask. You have to be a major screw up to not succeed.

I was actually contacted by SWA about this opportunity. I make quite a bit more than 130K as a 135 captain, but there's a lot to be said for SWA - I know a couple of guys who fly with ya'll and they love the company. Do any of you line pilots know if there's a path forward into flying over there from an instructor position if I elected to do that, or would I be better off simply applying for a pilot position?

After 2 or 3 years… you’ll have the opportunity to interview to be a flight crew member. I would imagine that one would be observed during their tenure as an instructor. You do your job well, get a few atta boys in your file, the interview should be nothing more than a formality

If you meet the requirements, I would apply for the pilot position. The SIM position is the "carrot on the stick" and I think you have to commit to 3 years before being considered for a pilot position. In the current market, I don't think it's a good idea for someone who wants to keep flying or wants to get on with someone else. For someone without a medical, over 65, or just someone not interested in flying the line it is a good opportunity, especially if you live in the DAL area. They do offer positive space tickets for commuters but would need to get a hotel or place if you are from out of town. I know of one person (MIL and B737 qualified) who was turned down for a pilot position but was hired as a SIM guy. He went through everything and soon after being qualified he got picked up by a legacy carrier.

Great feedback and definitely will give some thought to both points of view. I've flown Part 121 in the past and I know how it can be, so I'm going to give some thought to how I'd like things to look in the next 3-5. Thank you, gentlemen.

From the looks of it, the majority of airlines are going to be hiring 100/month or thereabouts in 2022. If you have competitive qualifications, don't waste your time on a sim gig where you also will lose recency of experience which many desire in their screening process. But in the end, as you say it depends on your age and stage in life as well as your career aspirations.

Great points, sir. Well received.

It is a 3 year commitment before you can apply for a pilot position. Seniority is everything. Every class can make a difference. If you want to make a move apply now. Get hired then decide.

I heard that the pilots that walk past those doors of the training center are the greatest trained pilots on Earth.