Why is it unacceptable to criticize SWA?
10-31-2008, 10:40 AM
#31
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Posts: 862
There is quite a bit of information on the performance calculation and errors that were introduced from several sources. Going from memory, they found fault in the OPC software, the training that the crews received in what the software was telling them, and in the information that they received from ATC which was then entered into the OPC.
The CVR transcript is quite interesting. Read the whole thing, not just the minutes leading up to the accident itself. The crew spent the entire flight discussing the landing and what conditions they would/could accept and what conditions they could/would not accept.
As far as the original question, Why is it unacceptable to criticize SWA? I'm a frequent SWA passenger (on the A-List) so I'm very familair with their operation though I've never flown for them nor flown a 737. Most of the criticism that I read about SWA is just plain wrong. SWA does a lot of things very differently than do most other airlines. Most of those who compain about SWA don't understand those differences. There is certainly legitimate criticism that can be leveled against SWA (My #1 issue would be the lack of updated information during delays) but that's generally not what we hear.
10-31-2008, 05:55 PM
#32
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Joined APC: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,333
Who says anyone HATES SWA? I think a lot of pilots on this forum are just tired of the "we are the best, so get over it" mantra. SWA IS a great airline, but the continual bragging about how great they are is getting old too. Not everyone wants to fly the B737 domestically their whole career. Some here don't understand that.....................
I know several pilots, flight attendants and other employees at SWA and I also jumpseat on them regularly. I simply have never witnessed this "we are the best" attitude you are describing - instead it's more like 'yeah we are doing great right now and we sure hope it'll stay that way.' I think that's a healthy and a normal attitude toward your employer, wouldn't you say?
Pelican - it wasn't that long ago people were complaining about Delta and United pilots saying some of them had an attitude, were overpaid, didn't know how lucky they were, etc, etc. Remember when they got their record contracts and the line to their booths at an AirInc job seminar was like 20 miles long? Well, you and I know very well that simply wasn't true and that the vast majority of DAL and UAL guys & gals were down to earth, regular 'aluminum tube drivers' who simply enjoyed their jobs.
Please, understand I am not picking on DAL, UAL, or anyone else for that matter. I'm just saying that generally speaking people sort of like to have someone to pick on, in the past it was DAL, UAL, etc, now it's SWA, tomorrow it could be FDX or God forbid UPS...
ok, I am a little biased here... 
It's a good discussion though...
10-31-2008, 11:11 PM
#33
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Posts: 233
Who says anyone HATES SWA? I think a lot of pilots on this forum are just tired of the "we are the best, so get over it" mantra. SWA IS a great airline, but the continual bragging about how great they are is getting old too. Not everyone wants to fly the B737 domestically their whole career. Some here don't understand that.....................
<waiting>
You sure spend a ton of time worrying about SWA. Get a hobby.
11-01-2008, 04:21 AM
#34
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Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: C47 PIC/747-400 SIC
Posts: 2,100
11-01-2008, 02:26 PM
#35
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: A320 Captain
Posts: 97
I agree, yes they are the only ones hiring, but big deal. We haul people from point A to B. It is not like we are hauling meds to dying kids. 
11-01-2008, 03:23 PM
#36
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Joined APC: Mar 2007
Posts: 181
"Time for some random quotes from NUTS!
1. "Be quick or be dead"
2. "At Southwest, speed is about doing things in days that take other carriers months to do"
3. "Southwest has learned that speed is both necessary for survival and essential to keeping people inspired and invigorated"
4. "In the world where the shelf life of our products and services keeps getting shorter and shorter, we can't afford to be too cautious and play it safe"
5. "The penalty for being slow and slothful........was the death of the airline and job security"
They are certainly not concerned about speed when you are following behind them into PVD in a Citation 10, and you have to shut an engine down to go as slow as them!!!!
1. "Be quick or be dead"
2. "At Southwest, speed is about doing things in days that take other carriers months to do"
3. "Southwest has learned that speed is both necessary for survival and essential to keeping people inspired and invigorated"
4. "In the world where the shelf life of our products and services keeps getting shorter and shorter, we can't afford to be too cautious and play it safe"
5. "The penalty for being slow and slothful........was the death of the airline and job security"
They are certainly not concerned about speed when you are following behind them into PVD in a Citation 10, and you have to shut an engine down to go as slow as them!!!!
11-01-2008, 06:53 PM
#37
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Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: Turning off the spigot....
Posts: 329
It's all a matter of perspective, some of us might think a Citation X is slow.
Last edited by Waldo11; 11-01-2008 at 07:03 PM.
11-01-2008, 07:22 PM
#38
Line Holder
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Posts: 82
pelican must have gotten turned down at SWA
Pelican did you get turned down by SWA? That is the only explanation I can see as to why you have such hard on for SWA.
11-01-2008, 07:42 PM
#39
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: A320 Captain
Posts: 97
Pelican, take the whole thing in strides. I interviewed with United 3 times and was turned down every time. I could never understand why they would have me out 3 times and never offer me a job. But so it goes.
But so it goes.
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