flyguy81

I’m in DEN. Rare to see 4 legs unless you’re in TX or CA. 2-3 a day is avg, and you can find late shows (after 2000) on day 1 with 1 leg to the overnight. I’m sure the AM’s are ungodly early but I don’t do those so couldn’t tell you what they look like.

I’ve done trips like I’ve described for months. I don’t have a single duty day over 9 hrs next month. Earliest show is 11:45, most legs a day is 3. Avg overnight around 16-17 hrs

Lewbronski

Not gonna dox myself more than necessary by revealing my base, but next month, 75% of my duty days are 4-leg days and I have one 5-leg day. Earliest report is before 1100L and all other reports before 1230L. 75% of duty days over 10 hours.

bleedair

The contract is one thing…


Devil’s advocate—-


More (shorter) legs can keep you sharper/healthier.

I don’t want more time sitting on my backside in hotels. When I’m away from home I want to be working.

If the type of jet you’re flying moves your needle, get a hobby. This is a business, and the 737 is a workhorse that makes $$$ for everyone.

The captain sets culture. Maybe its gone on all of your flights, but the SWA pilots and crews are outstanding so why not choose to enjoy your time. Its nobody elses responsibility to make you happy.

Do EVERYTHING to GET PAID, but life is too short to not enjoy the day brother.

Grumpyaviator

Making the same money as other carriers flying one or two legs and then long overnights to sit on the beach or go on a hike, that’s enjoying the day; not “being the most productive pilots in the industry” and being paid less.

bleedair

Like I said - GET PAID!

You can work hard towards getting paid without being miserable on the daily. Worry makes you OLD.

flyguy81

Ugh….that sounds….lovely.

AirplanesRkewl

Are thing really as bad as people say on here? I get every airline has its problems but I’m starting class in a few week and I’m getting nervous reading on here. Seems like it’s a lot of Debbie downers that post a lot….

ZapBrannigan

The good news is you can decide for yourself and then, if you’re not happy, go elsewhere. There’s never been a better time to be a pilot applicant!

rightseat

In short - No, they are not as bad as you read on here. With that said, it really depends if you live in base, do you love to fly or are you here only for the money, what is your lifestyle, and where you are coming from.

I am single, live in base, and am a night owl. I work PM’s, and rarely go to work before 1:00 PM. If you are delayed til 2:00 in the morning, I am the guy you want to fly with, as I will be wide awake. I love 3 to 4 leg days. I hate a 3.5 hour flights. I work 110 - 125 TFP every month and don’t feel over worked. I don’t mind working weekdays and holidays (no kids or ex-wives). Basically, SW fits me like a glove!!

With that said, we have some warts and pimples, just like most carriers. Our LTD sucks and I will be a solid no vote if the TA does not become industry leading on LTD. Of course, our TFP pay is lagging and needs to be fixed. Our software systems are behind the times and our leadership needs a major shake up. I think all of those things will occur after the most recent meltdown. (Personally, I think this was the best thing could have happened to shake things up despite it costing me thousands of dollars). Call me a glass half full guy.

While this is not Herb’s airline, and the corporate culture needs significant work, I still think it is a great place to work. I came from a sucky regional and life is soooo much better.

As someone else said, the line culture is set by Captains. We have the best in the business. I talk to buddies at American and Delta and they absolutely dread going to work, mostly because of the Captains. United seems to be ok in regards to the Captains. American is by FAR the worst.

Come here and try to enjoy the ride. If you don’t like it after six months, move on. I am still probably three years from upgrade so I could go somewhere else and upgrade in the same timeline. However, I am here for the duration unless our next contract does not level things out.

tm602

9th month at SWA and here is what it has been:
1) PM reserve here is far better than my “good” schedule at the frac. I have better control of my life than I did at the frac, even on reserve.
2) I see everything from 1600L shows to that 1100 phone call with a minimum report notice.
3) Workdays have been as as short as 4 hrs and as long as 13 (never take the extension). Overnights anywhere from 11 to 19 hrs. Averaging about 15, far better than the frac.
4) The captains have been great. Flew with a couple of “dead bodies” but overall great guys.
5) The pace is fast, you will work hard. But that’s a selling point for me. I absolutely HATED collecting dust at the FBOs. H-A-T-E-D it.
6) Contract needs to get done dammit. And done right, even if it takes a bit more time.
7) I don’t go home exhausted and pi$sed anymore. By the time my 3 days off are done, I’m ready to work for 3. Some 4 days on reserve but that’s the way the egg rolls.
8) If you want, there’s plenty of opportunity to make more money. Personally I am happy to mentally divorce myself from the job while off and live within my means.
9) Driving to work is heavenly. The frac was, in reality, commuting….you just had a ticket.
10) No ancillaries like cleaning, loading, stocking, expense reports or other BS.
11) Reserve is kind of OK with me because I get a mix of everything. Left Coast, East Coast, beach cities, Schitts Creek, big buildings, all of it. Keeps the doldrums at bay.
So overall its good. Contract would be nice heckHEM, but I’m far happier here. Its a good way to finish my last 10. If you’re about money, go to DAL or something. I just can’t do the stuffy demeanor thing (had enough of that horsecr@p at the frac) so SWA fits me well. Its more of what you are looking for. Work hard and have a good time, come here. Get mo monay, have fleet choices and live the uptight exterior, go to the Big 3. With 9 types, I am *done* going to school. That’s another good thing here. Good luck and think it out.