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aviation pilot career

dutchgirl
Explorer C

I am hoping to get more information and hoping to talk with someone or chat with someone in the hiring department.  My son has a strong desire to pursue an aviation career as a pilot.  He did get his Class 1 FAA.  He is hearing impaired but hears very well with hearing aids.  Being he has his Class 1, would he be considered as a pilot candidate or would he be shot down without looking further?  Just trying to get a realistic idea before we spend $250K+ on an aviation education.  Thank you.

5 REPLIES 5

Re: aviation pilot career

franktravel
Aviator B

Qualifications

Southwest Airlines Pilot Requirements:

  • Certificates/Ratings: U.S. FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. Unrestricted U.S. ATP     
  • Age: Must be at least 23 years of age.
  • Flight Experience: 2,500 hours total or 1,500 hours Turbine total.  Additionally, a minimum of 1,000 hours in Turbine aircraft as the Pilot in Command* is preferred. Southwest considers only Pilot time in fixed-wing aircraft. This specifically excludes simulator, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV, EWO, etc. "Other Time" will not be considered.
  • Currency: Experience should include actively flying two of the last five years.
  • FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
  • Medical: Must possess a current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate. Must pass FAA mandated Drug Test.
  • Authorization to work in the United States: Must have established authorization to work in the United States.
  • Must possess a valid United States Driver's License and a valid passport or a Refugee Travel Document.
  • Education: graduation from accredited, four-year College preferred.
  • Letters of Recommendation: At least three letters from any individuals who can attest to the pilot's flying skills, by having observed him/her over a sustained period of time.


PIC for this purpose is defined as Captain/Aircraft Commander of record, not simply the sole manipulator of the controls. For military personnel, Southwest Airlines will allow flight time logged as "Pilot in Command" (PIC) only if you are the Captain/Aircraft Commander, Evaluator, or Instructor Pilot. Primary time will only be considered PIC on a specific aircraft after an individual upgrades to Aircraft Commander n the appropriate aircraft. Time logged as "Other Time" will not be considered. 

Military Conversion: Military Pilots may convert flight time by adding .3 hours per sortie.

Applicants who have a B737 Type Rating must  not have limitations other than "B-737 CIRC.APCH.-VMC ONLY" documented on their certificate.

 

If due to a disability, you need a reasonable accommodation to perform essential job duties or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Southwest Airlines' Accommodations & Career Transitions (ACT) Team at HDQ, ACT.Team@wnco.com (see Southwest Airlines' Workplace Accommodation Policy on SWALife).

Re: aviation pilot career

KelbyTansey
Employee
Employee

Hi @dutchgirl,

 

Thank you for reaching out! We are so thrilled to hear of your son's interest in a Career in aviation. You should check out our story of former intern, Jordan Livingston. He is also pursuing a Career as a Pilot while living with hearing impairment. You can find the video of his story here.

 

We are unable to state in advance, outside of our application process, whether an individual is or is not qualified for Southwest Airlines First Officer position.  Every airline sets their own minimum qualifications, which are periodically reviewed and updated.  Southwest is required by the FAA to include having and maintaining a First Class Medical Certificate as a minimum requirement for our Pilots.  Anyone is welcome to submit their application to our posted positions that they feel they are qualified for and can perform with or without reasonable accommodation.  Best wishes to your son with his aviation career!

 

Kelby
Moderator
Southwest Careers

Re: aviation pilot career

dutchgirl
Explorer C

Oh that's awesome for Jordan!  And thank you so much!  There's hope! 🙂

Just like Jordan's mom said in the video - very skeptical - but look what he's able to do!  

So great!

 

dawn

Re: aviation pilot career

franktravel
Aviator B

First officer qualifications for Southwest Airlines  https://tinyurl.com/y8whawb9

Re: aviation pilot career

Adonai292
Explorer C

I am hearing impaired, i can listen well with hearing aid. I am spanish.