Skywest Question

Knucklehead

Knucklehead

New Member
I have an interview coming up in less than a week with Skywest. The way things are headed, I'm seriously contemplating not going to the interview. I want to think things through as thoroughly as possible before I make a decision to decline. Anyone in the know at skywest who can offer any info as to why they're hiring, how many pilot slots they're trying to fill, and any additional info would be much appreciated. I am also very aware of the fact that they are only hiring this month. Like I said I want to think things through thoroughly before I make any drastic decisions.

United is parking 80 some odd planes by the end of 08 and another 20 through 09 if I remember correctly. I'm concerned about this industry as a whole, but the fact that United is parking planes and reducing flights particularly concerns me about SkyWest.

I'm a relatively high time CFI with family responsibilities. The last thing I want is to give up my current job, go to skywest (assuming I'm offered a job), and end up on the street after this summer.
 
Knucklehead said:
I have an interview coming up in less than a week with Skywest. The way things are headed, I'm seriously contemplating not going to the interview. I want to think things through as thoroughly as possible before I make a decision to decline. Anyone in the know at skywest who can offer any info as to why they're hiring, how many pilot slots they're trying to fill, and any additional info would be much appreciated. I am also very aware of the fact that they are only hiring this month. Like I said I want to think things through thoroughly before I make any drastic decisions.

United is parking 80 some odd planes by the end of 08 and another 20 through 09 if I remember correctly. I'm concerned about this industry as a whole, but the fact that United is parking planes and reducing flights particularly concerns me about SkyWest.

I'm a relatively high time CFI with family responsibilities. The last thing I want is to give up my current job, go to skywest (assuming I'm offered a job), and end up on the street after this summer.
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SKYWEST HAS NEVER FURLOUGHED! Just something to think about! And i know there are going to be a lot of haters out there saying, "but its different now" and that they are right. But SKW has not and I do not forsee doing so in the future.
 
I say go to the interview. If you get an offer, and you still don't feel good, you can always turn it down after the fact. (But please do it before class starts. :) ) It would give you more time to make this decision. I certainly think you could tactfully ask those legitimate questions/concerns at the interview. I think they will give you straight, honest information, based on what they know.

I don't know specifically why we are interviewing, with some of the recent changes it may just be into the "pool." (Which might be OK given your concerns and personal situation.) There is no rumor or talk about furloughs, and thus far the company has never had to furlough. Though it would be foolish to never say never in this crazy economy.

Good luck either way!
 
IMHO, I can't think of a reason NOT to at least go through the interview process. Logically, at least from my vantage point, the issues you are wrestling with don't really need to be tackled until you are actually made an offer. Again, just my opinion. :)
 
meyers9163 said:
SKYWEST HAS NEVER FURLOUGHED! Just something to think about! And i know there are going to be a lot of haters out there saying, "but its different now" and that they are right. But SKW has not and I do not forsee doing so in the future.
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Go to Skywest if you so desire!
 
An interview is a two way street. Go, ask your questions, let them offer you a class or hire you into a pool and then go from there. To apply and then not even attend the interview is retarded.
 
Go to the interview....If this is your first airline interview you'll probably be pretty impressed by the process and going to an airline's headquarters.

That being said, being at the bottom of ANY seniority list right now exposes you to a significant risk of being laid off. This is no different at Skywest. Much of their future is linked to the larger airlines they are contracted by, mainly United, Delta, Midwest. United is obviously in a dire economic situation, Delta is cutting back regionals (see PNCL) and also has a rough ride ahead and I'm not sure about Midwest.

Just because they haven't done the "F" word in the past, don't think they wouldn't do it right now.
 
Baronman said:
Just because they haven't done the "F" word in the past, don't think they wouldn't do it right now.
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:yeahthat:

In fact, let me say that again!

Just because they haven't done the "F" word in the past, don't think they wouldn't do it right now.

Seriously!

As the old saying goes, "There's a first time for everything...."

If Skywest management sees the need to furlough, they're going to furlough. I hope that it never happens, I hope that no one ever has to be furloughed. BUT at the bottom of a list, always be prepared for the possibility.

Now, in your case here, I do suggest going to the interview. You won't be in class for a while, so there's no actual decision of TAKING the job right now. Go to the interview, do the best you can, and use it as the great experience that it is. :)
 
You should definately go, the experience will do you good. My first airline interview did not go so well, and I botched some of the HR/Tech questions.

The second went much better and I subsequently was offerred a class date.

Even if they offer you a class date, it won't be for a few months, so it gives you time to think about the future. If you accept, and get furloughed, on the bright side you will have some turbine/121 experience. This will be much more attractive to a future employer than 1000 hours of C172 time.
 
According to our hiring manager, we are bringing more people on because we are not parking as many Brasilias as previously thought. Attrition is also a reason.

I just found this on another forum from one of our instructors in SLC. He posted this today:
As of right now we are planning to start a class of 17 new hires on July 17th. Then those numbers will slightly increase. After the July 17th class we are planning a new hire class every month for about the next year for about 300 new hires in the next 12 months. This all from the most recent numbers meeting on Monday.

Like I said, I can't tell you why but we are planning on some significant new hires. All subject to change of course.
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Denton~definitely go to the interview! They're a great company and they're definitely part of my backup if I end up on the street in the next year or so.

PM me if you want to contact some Bro drivers. I know several out in CA that I instructed with...

Good luck in whatever decision you make!
 
meyers9163 said:
SKYWEST HAS NEVER FURLOUGHED!
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Didn't Skywest say that they would furlough XJT pilots if they had completed the purchase?! Obviously Skywest management is not against such action!!

Personally I wouldn't let this factor into my decision whether or not to work for a certain company. The fact that they haven't furloughed before doesn't have much to do with anything other than circumstance. Skywesters love to believe they work for a different type of airline management and they've certainly made some good moves up to this point but like MQAAord siad, if they need to furlough they will.

But I agree with those who say go to the interview and check things out. If for nothing else the experience will be an education for the future and it will force you to prepare.
 
Cav said:
Didn't Skywest say that they would furlough XJT pilots if they had completed the purchase?! Obviously Skywest management is not against such action!!

Personally I wouldn't let this factor into my decision whether or not to work for a certain company. The fact that they haven't furloughed before doesn't have much to do with anything other than circumstance. Skywesters love to believe they work for a different type of airline management and they've certainly made some good moves up to this point but like MQAAord siad, if they need to furlough they will.

But I agree with those who say go to the interview and check things out. If for nothing else the experience will be an education for the future and it will force you to prepare.
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No you are absolutely correct. The fact that they havent doesnt mean anything in todays world of aviation and 121 carrier operations. However the fact is Skywest has always been a solid company. They have a load of bases and a good set of work rules and QOL. Most SKW guys you speak with are very pleased with the operations and love their josb. Therefore at the days end I think its a very good option to go and if offered the job take it. Again I'm not a fan of not living for the moment. If you are worried about what might happen, and you never try, you will never know what could have happen.
 
meyers9163 said:
No you are absolutely correct. The fact that they havent doesnt mean anything in todays world of aviation and 121 carrier operations. However the fact is Skywest has always been a solid company. They have a load of bases and a good set of work rules and QOL. Most SKW guys you speak with are very pleased with the operations and love their josb. Therefore at the days end I think its a very good option to go and if offered the job take it.
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Much better sales pitch. :)
 
Keep your options open- go to the interview. If they offer you a job and you turn it down, you will have valuable interview experience under your belt either way.
 
Don't let your nerves get to you. Like the others said just friggin go! If you cancel the interview you will never work at Skywest (I think?) If you blow the interview you can try again later. Either way you're gaining valuable experience interviewing.

And if they offer the job, take it. It's not like CFIing is seniority based, so F word or not you're not going to lose much in the (unlikely) event SKYW furloughs for the first time, ever. Look at it as an 'in' to an industry that currently has very few.
 
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