e6bpilot

It has been explained to me that since it is advantageous to pilots and the company software is written around it, the TFP will forever remain a fixture of SWA life.
In other words, intertia.
Kinda like captains that insist on putting van times in central time.

ZapBrannigan

Can you explain how it is advantageous to pilots? I am sorry to seem ignorant. It's just one of those things I can't wrap my head around.

e6bpilot

Supposedly because it pays a min rate for short trips. Something to the effect of every take off and landing shall be paid a trip and then block is added to it at a prorated rate.

I am not good at math, so I just took their word on it and cash my checks on the 5th and the 20th. Honestly, at this point, I am pretty sure we could switch to block and be just fine, but the collective pilot group's head would explode and IT would have a meltdown.


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tr4a

We actual make more on the longer legs with TFP vs Hourly.


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Thunder1

Latest update from the company came out today:
"Current plans call for new hire classes to begin 3rd Quarter 2015."

So, assuming July class start dates that means probably interviews in May & June with the application window opening up in April. Just passing along my best guess on the timeline for those interested in Southwest. Good luck to all.

coryk

Any updates on when the window might open officially?

Holly

Still nothing. Air tran transitions will be done end of March/ early April.

Rsv4lyfe

Heard from someone on a Facebook group that the type won't be required for the next round of hiring. Per the VP of Flt Ops. Any truth to this?

xkuzme1

True. Just posted today.

4th Level

Here it is -

The B737 Type Rating
As you all know, we have a very long history of requiring that Pilots aquire the B737 type rating prior to starting a new hire class. This has served us well over the years. After a very thorough review of the Southwest Airlines Pilot job description, we have decided to remove the B737 type rating requirement. This decision came after seriously considering that our pool of qualified applicants has dwindled over the years, initial training is more systems comprehensive than the old days, insurance is no longer an issue, and the fact that we are overlooking thousands of qualified pilots who exceed our requirements but do not possess the type rating.

Going forward, the B737 type rating will continue to have value as a desired skill, similar to a college degree or other specialized training. In other words, for those applicants who have a type rating, it will serve as another “feather in the cap” during the selection process. All pilot applicants must still possess the Multi-Engine ATP rating. The proposed initial AQP training has made it much easier to administer a type rating during the initial training syllabus, and those Pilots who are hired without a B737 type rate will receive the rating prior to IOE.