DEC interview process
As not too many applicants seem to want to share their experience with the DEC process- here is mine:
First day:
Welcome of the group ( 6-8 guys ) and overview of what to expect.
Everybody introduces themselves.
First test IQ test 40 questions/ 20 minutes. Looks like you`re doing fine if you do about 20 correct.
Then group is divided into two groups- one starts with SIM and the other with the compass test.
SIM was in A 320 or B 777. That is regardless of your previous experience- Many Boeing guys were given the A320.( if you get A 320 you can fly a circuit that is not part of the assessment to get used to the stick)
SIM is loft exercise only- ( check out LIDO charts, no Jeppessen!)
Normal Take off 12L, when Flaps are up Autopilot is available. Radar u/s, intercept a radial. During climb they have different scenarios like a bomb thread or cargo fire. Return to DXB, ILS approach handflown with Go Around.
During GA you get an engine failure. Again as flaps are up autopilot is available.
Return pattern for single engine ILS handflown with another GA. After GA is completed the session ends.
They look for your decision making and CRM and overall airmanship.
The compass test is as many times mentioned before. It helps if you brush up on basic maths. You get 24 questions in 20 min.
Aviation knowledge about 30 questions but multiple choice.
The second day starts with three psychometric tests. Just be yourself.
After that your spouses can join the group and you`re given a tour through Dubai. They show you a school, the clinic, an unfurnished villa and a furnished appartment.
The third day starts with the group exercises. Groups of three or four guys get a scenario to work on for about 15-20 minutes. Three exercises in total.
After that you meet the psychologist ( approx. 45 min.)
He/ She goes trough your results so far. Then explains the outcome of your psychprofile. It seems pretty accurate how they profile you. They know your strengths and weaknesses. Amazing!
Then some questions about all that, about your family and how you prepared for the test.
Finally you go to the interview. It`s two on one.
They ask why EK, what does your family say about the move, etc.
Main part is to give examples from your flying career, how you handled situations and emergencies. They ask how you handle a situation with a long time first officer in EK for example.
Fourth day is straight forward medical.
So overall a very nice atmosphere.
The applicants were a wide variety from very experienced widebody captains to Loco CPTs.
90% of the guys who made it to the medical were FR guys.
So if you`re from FR, keep applying as they seem to have a preference for you.
All the best to everybody!