e6bpilot

Yeah, Your Mileage May Vary. Ha Ha, lots of people do make me vomit, so I may start using that one.

You will be flying both at SWA, so classic vs. NG makes no difference except cost to you. As stated above, a 737 type is a 737 type.

waldo135

A buddy of mine was hired on last weeks decision board, and was given an 11 June class

SillyPilot

Do you know when he interviewed? Just trying to gauge how far they have gotten down the list.

luv2bflyin

The fact that someone wants to buy a type makes me want to vomit.

Thunder1

No one "wants" to buy a 737 type rating just for the sake of having it. They buy it as a calculated investment hoping that they get a return on investment. For many people it is a wasted $8,000; but for many it is a huge return on investment. 8K for a multi-million dollar career -- not a bad return on your 8K investment.
Maybe someday SWA will remove the requirement; but, until then those that want to work at SWA will be smart to roll the dice and pay the $ to play the game. Your chances of getting a call for an interview without a type rating right now are very slim. Some have gotten the call without it but it is a very small number and most are military that I am aware of -- but even for the military guys it is a very small percentage of the total applicants on file. Good luck.

lr35pilot

" So you're saying there is a chance!"

WHACKMASTER

So what's the word then? Still 84 more NHs in June & July split between three classes and then 84 more for the rest of 2014 beyond that?

How about for 2015, is anyone hearing any initial NH numbers floated around for then? My friend got sick during AT to SWA transition class and had to go home for a while. They're having a hard time slotting him back in because the sims are so full.

e6bpilot

Those were the initial numbers I heard, but when we were at the interview being briefed by the Pilot Hiring Chief, he said they aren't aiming for any number of guys and that they are hiring through the end of the year. I was told that 60 got hired in the last 2 weeks' decision board for June and July classes.

I am just curious with the fleet staying flat and plenty of AT guys still coming over the partition, why so much hiring? I am not complaining, believe me, but if they add another 160 or so guys this year plus all the AT guys (not sure how many still have to come over), that is a lot of people to do a little extra flying due to Wright and international, especially for a company that is not known for spending frivolously.

I am sure there are a few exercising recall and/or leaving for greener pastures, but it can't be that many.

ClippedWing

We were told that although the fleet plan is flat for this year, the net active aircraft will actually increase by 20ish due to the AT fleet transitions being offline for four months each.

Additionally, what was hinted at but not outright stated is that they are looking to pickup well priced leases until the Max deliveries start in 2017. That would result in fleet growth but is somewhat speculative at this point, (and until they are in fact on the property!)

e6bpilot

Thanks. That makes perfect sense.