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Future SWA Pilot

jmalone
Adventurer A
Today on my flight, I had the pleasure of meeting passenger Andrew Schiff. Andrew_BrotherAndrew had drawn a picture for the Pilots and attached the following note.  "Dear Southwest Pilots of WN518: Thank you for flying my brother and me to Florida to visit our relatives.  It's been a long time since I've been to Florida.  When I grow up, I want to be a Pilot for the Southwest 737.  I've had two flying lessons out of Farmingdale, NY.  On Friday, I flew a Piper PA 2b-151 Warrior from Farmingdale to Bridgeport, CT.  The Instructor said I flew 98% of the time.  In Bridgeport, we did a few touch and goes and in the middle of the second touch and go, we were on downwind to runway 24 when a Piper was a couple of hundred feet from our left wing.  They were supposed to be behind us, but they passed without clearance from the tower, so my instructor told the tower.  In Florida, my Nana knows somebody who is able to get me into the tower at Boca Raton or Ft. Lauderdale Executive.  I'm really looking forward to that.  Thank you again! Future Southwest Pilot - Andrew P.S.  Happy 35th Birthday SWA!"Andrews_Drawing  Andrew also included his email address for future correspondence.  If you would like to write Andrew some words of encouragement, etc...please post the comments here, and I'll be sure he gets them.   
16 Comments
Born_2_Fly
Explorer C
Andrew,wishing you the best of luck.I myself want to be a pilot and work for Southwest Airlines,I'm 16 and ever since I can remember I wanted to fly.In fact,my first plane ride was with Southwest when I was 5 months old.Here's a piece of advice somebody gave me,"Don't let anything scare you from doing what you want do,you just go ahead and do it".
Mary__Reservati1
Explorer C
Andrew, I remember the first time I flew Southwest as a 4yr. old, the gate agent told me I had the prettiest sparkle in my eyes. From then on, I have always wanted to work for Southwest. I have now been employed by Southwest (the best company in the world!!!) for 12 years now. Never lose sight of your dreams and you can do anything you put your mind to!
Dena_Fetters
Explorer C
Andrew, my brother has worked for SWA for over 10 years in several different capacities though none have been as pilot. The main thing I want to tell you about your quest to become a SWA Pilot is that they are bar none the best airline in the world. As many families experience, we have been through many trials and tribulations throughout his ten year; ranging from sicknesses, surgeries, deaths, births, diseases, you name it. SWA and its employees have always supported my brother and the rest of us through prayer, gifts, cards, thoughts, phone calls, food, etc. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty in every instance and have always put family first. They are his family and our family as we are theirs also. Also, always remember YOU CAN DO ANYTHING you set your mind to. Set some goals, start your mission and please let us all know when you reach it! James' sister, Dena
Leah3
Adventurer B
Andrew, Southwest Airlines is really the best! It is my favorite out of all the airlines I fly. I'm going for my goal again to be a flight attendant for this Company, & it's a dream & determination I've had since elementary school.
Evan_B
Explorer C
Others have said it, I'll say it again. Hold on to your dream. I remember being in your shoes: looking out the window and wishing that one day I'd be the one in the cockpit guiding that airplane to the runway - and I've made it - as can you. Don't be discouraged by your failures. Don't become frustrated by obstacles. Learning to fly is a difficult task, and gaining experience is even harder. But don't forget about Southwest! Southwest's story is a shining example of staying true to what works, being compassionate, and doing what they Luv. Do what you love. Best of luck.
Andrew3
Explorer C
Thank you all for your encouraging comments. Ever since I was two I've loved everything about flying. I've been on alot of Southwest flights, and I love everybody's attitude, even when something doesn't go right you still keep smiling. Southwest is the greatest airlines and I look forward to flying for them someday.
Lawrence_A___Tr
Explorer C
Andrew, I'm so very proud of you for realizing such a fabulous dream so early on in your life. What is even more exciting is that you are already on your way! I wish I could say that I fly an airplane 98% of the time; great job! I share your dream in wanting to be a pilot for Southwest Airlines and I encourage you to keep that goal fresh in your mind every day when you wake up in the morning. As a flight instructor the best advice I can give you is to stick to your guns and never give up. Life has its 'speed bumps' but it never asks of you more than it thinks you can handle. Best wishes!
Matt_S
Explorer C
Andrew, You are embarking on a journey that others can only dream of. Fortunately, you are starting at such a young age, which gives you just that much more time to experience all the great things this career has to offer! You will experience many ups and downs over your flying career, but you will find that each bump in the road is well worth the trip. Don't ever lose sight of your goals, and don't let any naysayers discourage you. If you keep your eye on the prize, you will achieve your goals! Most importantly, as we always say on our inflight PAs from the cockpit, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. We all have a destination we'd like to reach, but the fun part is the journey to get there! Best wishes on a safe, but FUN journey from one pilot to another!
J_Ottery
Explorer C
Andrew, I'm very excited for you and proud of you for having a dream for your future. Just remember...you can do anything you want in life as long as you are willing to work hard for it without ever giving up! I've proved that to myself in becoming a nurse and a flight attendant for 8 yrs with SW Airlines. I Love my family here and my career! Reach for the stars and GOOD LUCK! Best Wishes J. Ottery
Dan_H_1
Explorer C
Andrew, That is awesome that you are getting going on your flying career at such an early age! I remember when I was your age taking my first flying lessons in small airplanes, thinking how neat it was doing something that not very many other people get to do. (Out of 300 million people in the US, only 619,000 have a pilot license! That is less that one quarter of 1 %!) I actually earned my private pilot license in a PA-28-161 Warrior, out of a tiny airport in New York State, too! I'm an airline pilot, Andrew, and I can tell you this is a pretty tough career! You will work hard, you will put in lots of hours of study, take lots of exams, and spend a lot of money. But here's the thing... When you get to see the sun set from 6 miles above the Earth... When you see a thunderstorm lighting up clouds at night like giant fireworks... When you level off at 35,000 feet, roll your seat back, pop open your bag of peanuts, and watch the world drift by below you- you will instantly realize that for everything you put into it, you got back times 10. I'm about to try out to be a pilot at Southwest this week. I'll let you know how things go. For now, just keep your eye on the prize, Andrew, and never give up on ANYTHING! Dan H.
Peter_Bankss
Explorer C
Hi Andrew, All the Best for your Future. I am really happy that your so firm about your dream and destination in life. I am sure you will reach the stars. Just don't give up whatever happens ... Peter Bankss
Skyler_Wooster
Explorer C
Hey Andrew, I flew with them Dec.27 and Jan. 8 to Orlando,Fl and to Okc,Ok,KC,Mizz.,Auston,Tx.. They were the best flight i've had.I have wanted to be a pilot for South West since I was 8 years old I'm currently 14 and will be 15 on July 21. I would also luv to be a pro fisherman on the side. Remember You and I can do ANYTHING through GOD!!! Best of luck! " Follow me and I will make you fishers of men"Matthew 4:19
Andrew3
Explorer C
Hi, thanks again for the comments. I have recently flown a brand new Beechcraft Bonanza G36, and I am going to go up again soon. Finally, I get to go on Southwest again. I'll be on flight 1625 from islip to ft. lauderdale on May 25, and flight 1326 from FT. Lauderdale to Islip on May 28. Hope to some of you guys there.
sharon_mcgill
Explorer C
Ok, what is the percentage of "returning" students for a "second chance" at Southwest. What are they looking for...I was in class 227 and I missed at by one test soooo close. is it better to have referrals from my classmates which I have done. My year is up and I can't reapply until they are taking applications again, and when I do apply will they consider me again because I did finish three weeks of training and passed all PA's and planned & unplanned procedures, just soooclose. can you please advise me If I should apply again, what have you seen so far with returning students.
HI_Everone
Explorer C
Good Luck. I am selling my home in New York (Holbrook) near the airport and would love to sell it to a South West Airline Piolet. Need a home near the airport then contact me . Hope to talk with you soon. Charles Pisano.
jack_thomas
Explorer C
Andrew That is amazing don't let people tell you you cant do something because you can you can do anything in the world that you want to do its your life and southwest is the best i want to be a pilot for them to from jack