Advise please

[freightdriver]

Hi you all!

Well, where do I start? I am thinking about going back to the U.S. and giving the likes of SWA etc. a shot. I have about 2000 tt and 600+ on the 737...and still active flying the line for a Cargo outfit here in the far east.

My biggest concern is I have lived overseas in the last 10 years and I have time gaps in between employment and school. Would that pose a problem? and any info on hiring back home would be appreciated.

Thanks!

:8

[TR4A]

SWA

They are going to start classes early next year. At the present time only taking pilots with the B737 Type Rating.

Flight Experience:
2500 hours total or 1500 hours TURBINE total. Additionally, a minimum of 1000 hours in Turbine aircraft as the Pilot in command2, as defined by FAR PART I is required. Recency of experience is considered. Southwest considers only Pilot time in fixed wing aircraft. This specifically excludes simulator, helicopter, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV, EWO etc. NO other time is counted.2

Currency:
A minimum of 200 hours must be logged in the preceding 36 months.

[willbav8r]

If you are still flying the 73, and life isn't too terrible, it might be wise to stick it out for 12 months longer or so.

Build a bit more time, and SWA / JetBlue or ATA might be taking on more folks by then.

Just my .02. Good luck from a jealous bugsmasher wannabe!

[Ignition Override]

At least one of our pilots told me that SWA requires pilot applicants to either have the 737 type rating (some earn it at their school and good results seem to be a major plus) when they are hired or before they begin a new-hire class.

He also stated that they needed written recommendations from at least three pilots they have flown with.

:)

[freightdriver]

Thanks for the input, I have very little command time to speak of...some in DHC-6-300. Maybe it's wise for me to wait to get my command here in the region. But seniority list is about a mile long and command is about 4000-5000 total with about 1000 on type (pre-requisite)

The other thing: My type rating on the 737-200 is on my ICAO license and not the FAA since when I did my type training I did not have enough time to do the ATP check I only did the FAA 61.55 SIC check.

.......

;) :ok:

[Flame Out]

US carriers/ FAA only recognizes command type ratings. ICAO will differenciate between Capt. or FO type. Not very many outfits are hiring in the states right now and certainly no majors. Any of the smaller ones don't pay so well and there are no flow-thru program as long as there are guys on the the streets (many many thousands). The life style that you are used to in Asia will not be found here especially with the low pay. Outfits like Pinnacle (NW) or Skywest (UA) start their FO at about $20/ hr. I'd wait it out in Asia until things are looking better back home (don't hold your breath though) before coming back.