First Officer - Military Aviator Program

Job Description

About the Company Southwest Airlines is committed to providing its employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged to improve the effectiveness of the company, and employees are offered the same concern, respect and caring attitude internally that they are expected to share with every Southwest customer. Role Overview This First Officer - Military Aviator Program opportunity is designed for current U.S. military pilots who meet Southwest's First Officer minimum qualifications and are planning their transition to civilian aviation. Southwest is primarily targeting military aviators with a projected date of availability between 1 April 2027 and 30 September 2028, to join the pipeline for future First Officer opportunities. As a First Officer you are a key member of the Flight Operations team, responsible for safely operating Southwest's fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft while delivering the airline's service. Southwest offers one of the most flexible scheduling policies in the industry, giving all pilots the freedom to shape their schedules regardless of seniority. Department: Flight Operations. Military Aviator Program eligibility Be a current U.S. military pilot. Have more than six months remaining until the projected date of availability. Meet the applicable Southwest Airlines pilot hiring flight experience requirements. Hold a current military medical recommendation for flying. The Military Aviator Program (MAP) helps military pilots connect with Southwest earlier in their transition to civilian aviation. Selected participants may receive ongoing communication, mentorship and guidance while completing military service. Selection into MAP does not guarantee employment. Participation and any future employment remain subject to maintaining MAP eligibility and good standing, satisfying all MAP participation standards, successfully completing final validation, meeting all applicable Southwest pilot hiring requirements and completing onboarding and employment screening. An unrestricted ATP certificate, FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit and FAA First Class Medical are not required at the time of application but must be obtained before final MAP validation. Participation and any offer of employment remain subject to Southwest's hiring needs, business requirements and sole discretion. Key Responsibilities Provide friendly service to and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external customers. Work cooperatively to ensure the success of the company. Work in a highly organised environment demanding close coordination and teamwork with the Captain, Flight Attendants, Dispatcher and all ground personnel. Comply with all regulations and directives relating to the conduct of the flight in a manner suitable to the Captain. Operate in accordance with Southwest Airlines FAA-approved and FAA-accepted manuals, the Operations Specifications, 14 CFRs, 49 CFRs, FAA Orders, Airworthiness Directives, Advisory Circulars, Handbook Bulletins, directives and manufacturers' recommendations. Operate only within the limitations specified in the approved Southwest Airlines Flight Operations Manual, markings and placards (14 CFR 91.9(a)), and never in a careless or reckless manner that endangers life or property (14 CFR 91.13). Comply with the company's drug-free workplace and alcohol misuse policies, and with 14 CFR 121.455(b) and (c) on prohibited drugs and positive or refused drug tests. Submit reports on irregularities or incidents as required. Immediately notify the Base Chief Pilot or Assistant Base Chief Pilot of any discrepancy or incident that may affect the ability of the pilot, or of Southwest, to operate safely, in compliance and with fiscal responsibility. Perform as Captain should the Captain become incapacitated in flight and unable to assume command. At the pilot's discretion, perform passenger assistance activities within the secured area during a duty day, including pushing wheelchairs, assisting with luggage and escorting passengers through the airport. May perform other duties as directed by leaders. Authorities Take action as necessary to resolve any problem or situation that may compromise safety or compliance. When assigned by the Captain, direct the flight crew safely and efficiently to meet Southwest's operational requirements. Delegate duties and authority defined for the position; responsibilities may not be delegated. Licences & Qualifications Required: USA DOT/FAA unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, displaying the "Airplane Multiengine Land" category and class ratings and the "English Proficient" limitation. Required: USA DOT/FAA First Class Medical Certificate and, if applicable, any necessary Special Issuance (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) issued by the Federal Air Surgeon. Required: FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit. Required: valid United States driver's licence. Required: authorisation to work in the U.S. with no sponsorship required now or in the future, and a valid passport allowing travel in and out of the United States without restriction. Required: must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain a CREW badge designation; the position requires successful and continuous enrolment in Rap Back. Education required: high school diploma or GED. Preferred: bachelor's degree. Experience Preferred: 500 hours in a fixed-wing turbine (aeroplane and/or powered lift). Successful completion of all aspects of a Southwest Destination 225° pathway programme. Actively flying fixed-wing turbine aircraft for the last 3 years. Turbine Pilot In Command (TPIC) time. Part 121 airline, military and/or U.S.-based flight experience (experience with foreign military organisations or foreign commercial carriers is not considered equivalent). B-737 type rating. Held or currently holds an aviation-related organisational leadership position within a flight department of 10 or more pilots, for example FAA-designated Chief Pilot, Director of Operations or Check Pilot, or military roles such as Commander, Director of Operations, Stan/Eval, NATOPS Evaluator or equivalent. Demonstrated history of operational excellence in training and flight experience. Notes on flight time: do not include simulator, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV, EWO and UAV time. PIC time is defined as Captain or Aircraft Commander of record, or the pilot signing for the aircraft - not sole manipulator of the controls. Requirements Able to read documents, follow instructions, listen, comprehend and repeat detailed lengthy instructions, and understand and retain procedures, rules and regulations. Must successfully complete initial and recurrent training programmes, proficiency checks and the evaluation period. Must be aware of hazardous situations and able to handle emergencies as needed, and alert to moving equipment on the ramp and other aircraft in the air. Must work under tight time constraints to accomplish quick 15 to 20 minute aircraft turns. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate verbally, face to face, over public address systems, by radio and using other communication equipment; able to work as part of a team, meet the public and work under stress. Physical: able to lift and move 40 lb; able to bend, stand and sit for extended periods; able to communicate and interact in English. Must be willing to grant and share Southwest access to Pilot Records Database (PRD) information as part of the interview and onboarding process. Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per company appearance standards. Must be a U.S. citizen or authorised to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986; no sponsorship is available. Must be at least 23 years of age at the time of hire. Must comply with company attendance standards and work rules as described in labour agreements and established guidelines. Able to work rotating shifts and/or overtime and to travel constantly. What We Offer Starting pay of $125.90 per trip for pay (TFP) as defined in the collective bargaining agreement, with opportunities for future increases per the contractual wage scale and additional pay for specified flying. Fly free on any open seat on all Southwest flights; eligible dependants fly too. 18% non-elective contribution (B-Fund) deposited into your 401(k). ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement. Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependants. Opportunity to purchase Southwest Airlines common stock (LUV, NYSE) at a 10% discount. Company-paid loss of licence cover. Lowest industry debt, flexible scheduling options, industry-competitive narrow-body pay rates, most days off, best work rule package and company culture. Additional Information Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time. The 401(k) company match contribution is subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits. Southwest Airlines is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information or other legally protected characteristics. Requisition reference: R-2026-70946. Job posting end date: 08/10/2026.

Requirements

• Be a current U.S. military pilot.
• Have more than six months remaining until the projected date of availability.
• Meet the applicable Southwest Airlines pilot hiring flight experience requirements.
• Hold a current military medical recommendation for flying.
• Provide friendly service to and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external customers.
• Work cooperatively to ensure the success of the company.
• Work in a highly organised environment demanding close coordination and teamwork with the Captain, Flight Attendants, Dispatcher and all ground personnel.
• Comply with all regulations and directives relating to the conduct of the flight in a manner suitable to the Captain.
• Operate in accordance with Southwest Airlines FAA-approved and FAA-accepted manuals, the Operations Specifications, 14 CFRs, 49 CFRs, FAA Orders, Airworthiness Directives, Advisory Circulars, Handbook Bulletins, directives and manufacturers' recommendations.
• Operate only within the limitations specified in the approved Southwest Airlines Flight Operations Manual, markings and placards (14 CFR 91.9(a)), and never in a careless or reckless manner that endangers life or property (14 CFR 91.13).
• Comply with the company's drug-free workplace and alcohol misuse policies, and with 14 CFR 121.455(b) and (c) on prohibited drugs and positive or refused drug tests.
• Submit reports on irregularities or incidents as required.
• Immediately notify the Base Chief Pilot or Assistant Base Chief Pilot of any discrepancy or incident that may affect the ability of the pilot, or of Southwest, to operate safely, in compliance and with fiscal responsibility.
• Perform as Captain should the Captain become incapacitated in flight and unable to assume command.
• At the pilot's discretion, perform passenger assistance activities within the secured area during a duty day, including pushing wheelchairs, assisting with luggage and escorting passengers through the airport.
• May perform other duties as directed by leaders.
• Take action as necessary to resolve any problem or situation that may compromise safety or compliance.
• When assigned by the Captain, direct the flight crew safely and efficiently to meet Southwest's operational requirements.
• Delegate duties and authority defined for the position; responsibilities may not be delegated.
• Required: USA DOT/FAA unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, displaying the "Airplane Multiengine Land" category and class ratings and the "English Proficient" limitation.
• Required: USA DOT/FAA First Class Medical Certificate and, if applicable, any necessary Special Issuance (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) issued by the Federal Air Surgeon.
• Required: FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
• Required: valid United States driver's licence.
• Required: authorisation to work in the U.S. with no sponsorship required now or in the future, and a valid passport allowing travel in and out of the United States without restriction.
• Required: must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain a CREW badge designation; the position requires successful and continuous enrolment in Rap Back.

Benefits

• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependants.
• Lowest industry debt, flexible scheduling options, industry-competitive narrow-body pay rates, most days off, best work rule package and company culture.