Airline Pilot Central Forums - Southwest hiring info

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- - Southwest hiring info (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/southwest/73575-southwest-hiring-info.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Seat 1Engine (Post 1942553)

The SWA training center is maxed out. They have simulators that they don't even currently have a building for.

Two years ago, holding DAL as a new hire would have been unthinkable. Now you can get DAL almost straight out of training. With the numbers we're talking about in the next 9 months, I'd say you'll be able to hold anywhere in the system really soon if you get in on the beginning of the wave.

SWA demographics aren't as good as the other airlines, true. But our hiring right now is because of growth. The other airlines are hiring to fill retirements. Most of our international growth is coming from eastern domiciles.

I was at training last month and they addressed the "FO's not showing for training" rumors. There has been some, no suprise, but there's been almost as many early retirements because of the high stock price.

If you were a young dude, and wanted to live in a Delta domicile, it would totally make sense. There's small numbers leaving for the other carriers. I personally don't know a single one.

I know this summer we've been as understaffed as I've ever seen. JA during the summer has been OFF THE CHARTS. Every FO I saw in the last couple of days was working for time and a half or double time. I've made a months worth of pay in the last 10 days.

That being said, anyone in this industry knows that everyone's crystal ball is very unreliable.

This is why I haven't applied anywhere else. Quality of life issues and family are my number 1 reason for SWA--I'm looking for a PHX domicile or close to it. None of the legacy groups can match that with being a newhire...and three day trips when off reserve is right up my alley.

Second reason is furlough history.

Third reason is the 737 type took a chunk out of my ass...I'd like to see that one pay off!

I think I'll wait it out until the new year and go from there.

Just keep in mind one thing with regard to furlough history. In the last 35 years of the airline pilot profession there are two lies that are told at pretty much every airline indoc and inevitably end up being science fiction.

#1. This is the last uniform you are ever going to wear
#2. The upgrade time is right around 5 years

Do I have a shot?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZapBrannigan (Post 1942572)

Not if you don't apply. Can't win if you don't play.

I did yesterday :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZapBrannigan (Post 1942591)

#3. I am looking at a room full of millionaires.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by e6bpilot (Post 1942602)

#3. I am looking at a room full of millionaires.

ugh... I promise you that I've never heard that at any of the other places i've worked. That really rubbed me the wrong way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super EZ E (Post 1942381)

7 year FO's are leaving SWA! No up grade is running guys off. Plus the Air Trash merger has damaged the company to the core! Guys are very unhappy and those that can leave are do so. My buddy in training department is telling me guys aren't showing up for indoc and they have had new hires leave during training for other majors. SWA will be hiring for a long time with no stopping. Word is this month they just did or will do a reshuffle of pilot resumes. SWA is very concerned they are not going to get top talent. I'd bet they're RIGHT! With Delta hiring 1100 pilots a year for the next 5 years has Fedex and SWA very concerned!!

So now you are trolling over here too?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZapBrannigan (Post 1942591)

Haven't heard the first one...but #2 is dead on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super EZ E (Post 1942381)

Super EZ E,

You are SO spot on! However, you forgot to mention that Southwest is such a damaged carrier and that they want the new hires to feel LUVed that they are issuing a pink unicorn to every new hire pilot. In addition, every new hire gets an unlimited supply of rainbow colored skittles.

Now for the real scoop for those interested in working at Southwest....
1) Moderate hiring for the foreseeable future (300-500 per year probably)
2) Excellent work rules
3) Excellent scheduling flexibility
4) Great pay with the ability to augment when YOU want to
a) 4th year F/O this year and I'll do 210K total pay in 2015
6) Slower upgrades than Legacies -- assuming the Gulf carriers don't destroy the Legacies international operations.
7) Proven track record of profitability and no furloughs
8) 2+ years into contract negotiations -- company playing hardball; however, expecting a TA to vote on this fall. Don't think we'll hit a home run on this contract but I do think we'll see some decent gains; the devil in this contract will be Section 1 - Scope. We'll see.......

Bottom line: apply where you want to work. The only individuals with a real choice to make are those very few individuals that get hired by a Legacy AND Southwest at the same time.

P.S. -- I wish 7 year SWA F/Os were leaving for Legacies but it just isn't the case.
Suggest you go troll elsewhere Super.

There is at least 1 former SWA guy in our (FDX) July 20 th new hire class. Though I can't say if they are 7 year guys or not.

Retirements are more reliable than growth when making predictions.

Eighty percent of AA's list will be gone by the end of 2029. DL is very similar and UA is a couple of percentage points less. Even a change to Age 67 or 68 will only delay the inevitable.

Each has their pluses and minuses.