A 5-year-old aviation enthusiast from Colorado was invited to tour Southwest Airlines’ headquarters in Dallas after identifying a discrepancy in company training materials. William Hines, a pre-kindergarten student, developed an early interest in aircraft and mechanical systems, his mother told Denver’s 9News. During a visit with a Southwest pilot who provided him with training materials, William examined graphics of cockpit displays and noticed differences between two terrain-monitor depictions.
“I discovered that two terrain monitors did not match. They did not match at all,” William told the news channel.
His mother, Amber Hines, said a contact who worked for Southwest forwarded the information to airline leadership. Although the airline later clarified that the difference William identified reflected inconsistent display perspectives rather than a true error, Southwest’s CEO, Bob Jordan, invited William and his family to visit its Dallas headquarters, where he toured facilities and “flew” in a flight simulator.
“We went down to headquarters. It was amazing,” Amber Hines told 9News. “Everyone there was very, very welcoming. And we definitely had the tour of a lifetime.”
William said the experience included time with simulator staff and discussions about aviation, and he expressed interest in becoming a pilot in the future.
Great story. Young fellow at his age having such an interest, that is what makes a good pilot combined with many other traits. Now, let us see who from SWA reaches out and assists the little fellow?
This story warmed my heart. Great Job to everyone at Southwest! Reminds me that United Airlines offered similar experiences to “aviation” kids with serious illnesses including my nephew.