throttleweenie

Lori

I'm prepping for an interview at Southwest, and haven't interviewed for 23 years for anything. I feel I'm a SWA pilot trapped in a "Brand X" uniform for the last 22 years.
My creds are credible: 2,000 F/O Guppy, 4,000 PIC Guppy, Check Airman in Guppy, 19,000 TT, and almost 22 yrs overall of Legacy Airline experience, no accidents, incidents, busted rides, just EZ flyin' all the way.

But, I'm 53. A young 53, but still, 53. I was offered an interview within 2 months of submitting my app. I know that if they look at some dates, such as school graduating, they will figure out my approximate age, but do they really care how young or old an applicant is?

In '86, I had a few gray hairs, and thought about dying them, but didn't. got the job. There're the same # of black now as gray then. Same THC, though (Total Hair Count).

Thanks for your thoughts!

TW

socal swede

I'm sure by your time they have a relatively good idea. 19000 takes about 25-28 years to get in most cases,,, anyways I wouldn't be worried

rickair7777

I can't imagine that it would be a problem. You are a proven commodity, and your resume should have already given an approximate indication as to your age.

I don't think US airlines really age discriminate any more, and why should they? You have 12 years left, time to upgrade for a few years and then retire just as you reach the top of scale...that should be preferable to a 26 year-old who would spend 20 years at the top of the CA scale.

III Corps

I would think the only questions is how well you can adapt to going back to the right seat after many years. The answer would be as a check airman, you have been in the right seat a number of times.

Why would you want to leave the legacy will be an obvious question. Is it really that bad to give up all that seniority? It won't be a matter of if you can fly but rather if they think you will be able to adapt to the new culture. And they will be looking for hints of bitterness. No one wants to take someone else's problem... (not saying you are a problem but they will be asking if not directly at least obliquely. )

rickair7777

I'm guessing he's a cactus guy. I'd probably be doing the same in that situation.

throttleweenie

Nope, UAL.

And to all, thanks for your thoughts. Maybe I ain't all that old. I can Moonwalk, do bumps & trees on my snowboard, beat my buddies on my dirt bike, see my feet, run a few miles, change the oil without forgetting the drain plug, and do an 8-stroke roll at 90 beats per minute still! Oh yeah, and jerk a mean gear handle!

tw

throttleweenie

One question: How do I change the "New Hire" thing below my user name to "Old Hire"?

tw

rickair7777

It will change automatically based on the number of posts you have made. You also gain search and pmail features after so many posts (10 or 25 I think?).

throttleweenie

Thanks, Rick. Still new at this!

tw

III Corps

Years ago when I decided to get back on the slopes, my nephew said, "you old farts get back your skis and break, twist and fracture things. Try snowboarding."

I did.. and found out we were referred to as 'grays on sleighs'...

Best of luck in your new venture.