View Full Version : FI Interview
pipergirl
11th Jul 2007, 22:40
Hi all...
I have an interview early next week and was wondering what to prepare for? And any tips?
Just want to be well prepared! :)
It is my very first interview related to flying and am a little nervous about it as well..any help is greatly appreciated:}
skyhigher
12th Jul 2007, 08:12
i would not worry about the interview, for several reasons. flight instructors at the start of instructing no very little about instructing, its a learn on the job thing! just be enthusiastic about flying, i'm sure that will come through anyway.
with the current lack of instructors around they would be stupid to pass anyone up, even some of the really terrible ones that seem to be floating to the surface again.
relax, youll be fine!
TurboJ
12th Jul 2007, 08:45
I would know everything about the company; how long they have been around for, what courses they run, the type of student they attract, who the boss is etc etc
On the flying front, questions such as "Have you ever frightened yourself flying?", "Have you ever made an error of judgement whilst flying?", "Have you ever misread the weather forecast?" are questions I have been asked.
You may not get asked about instructing but possibly questions about your flying to date.
Good luck.........TJ
Memorise exercise 6 (S&L) because altho seemingly easy fer tha stoodunt it can be a pig to teach when you start out! If you're in the air on a check out remember to check the stoodunt (CFI) has the ball in balance when assessing they are achieving S&L - the CFI's (and myself now!) have a cunning habit of applying a little rudder just to see if yer playing close attention.
Show that you are commited to teaching and even if you're a knobhead who can't stand people at least pretend that you enjoy being around folks cuz it makes all the difference to a business when a trial lesson punter says "that was super! I wanna fly again!".... most, if not all, of that reasoning is down to the FI they flew wiv.
G'luck!
VFE.
Lee Frost
12th Jul 2007, 17:17
Hello Pipergirl,
Try not to swear tooo much, F words and C words are out I understand. Especially bad when you use both in the same sentence.
When it turns to violence, make sure you get the first one in. Soften him up with a couple of blows to the kidneys, two jabs to the chin, then work the body shots. Remember the two jabs but avoid the haymaker uppercut. I know you've had success with this in the past but its your first interview.
If he's got a tie, not the clip on variety, well you can now swing the fella around all the breakables in the office, finally bringing the head to rest on the photocopier - now you can repeatedly shut the lid down on the head. I once sold a car with the same routine, guys head in the bonnet. Up and Down three times, the guy was humming and haahing. I mean he either wants the car or not, third time, guess what? He wants the car after all.
Keep the beating up repeating "Come on just tell me, yes or no?" until he says yes. For the finale a good firm grab on the nuts while asking about the daily retainer, with graduated twists to finesse the hourly.
Once all sorted out at least fix the guy's tie up and straighten his glasses again. Have someone outside with the car running as well.
Good luck. When you do start instructing, remember to eat plenty of garlic, get regular workouts down at the boxing club and develop a shouting method which leaves bits of chewed food and spit on the windscreen, flight controls, and blogs.
All the best, Pipergirl, smell ya! :}
LF
Ex Oggie
12th Jul 2007, 18:48
There may be a shortage, but any half decent school that has a reputation (a good one!) will not employ just anybody who comes along, and more than a few have been invited to leave at the end of their probation. Usually an employer is looking for enthusiasm more than anything. Will your studs enjoy flying with you? will you fit in the the other staff? are you reliable and flexible? The knowledge will build with experience and good coaching.
Make a point of saying hello to everyone in the club, staff or not, smile loads and be super courtious! It makes all the difference in a school environment.
Check how long the slots are for lessons. If they are short i.e. less than 1½ hours, make sure you shorten your briefing accordingly, and start by saying "I asked you to read up on this next exercise the last time we flew". During the checkflight, make sure you cover the key learning point of each AirEx you are asked to demonstrate. Keep safety high on your agenda, but make the flight with the 'student' fun for them! Don't forget to check the NOTAMS, RA(T), defects & hours for the aircraft before signing it out.
I hope this helps a little.
XO
ex desert dweller
12th Jul 2007, 21:23
It's not necessarily what you know but how you transfer that knowledge.
When training accept the humility of how you felt when you first started your aviation career.
Fantastic post Lee Frost! http://www.pprune.org/forums/images/smilies/badteeth.gif http://www.pprune.org/forums/images/smilies2/eusa_clap.gif
VFE.
jamestkirk
14th Jul 2007, 20:53
You are now my new religious role model
Lee Frost
14th Jul 2007, 23:20
Oh Thank you! Just trying to wind my old friend Pipergirl up....
So - how did it go? Waiting with bated breath here! - if you can get as far north as Belfast they are screaming for instructors - lots of places.
Catch up soon, and all the best, hope you've been too busy INSTRUCTING to poke around here!
Cheers :D
LF :}
pipergirl
17th Jul 2007, 21:45
Went well!
Had a chat with everyone and got a feel for the place and it has a great atmosphere.
I was asked to go for a check-ride, but the weather turned quite quickly and have to put it off til another day, so I have to keep you all in suspense a little more!:}
Lee Frost
17th Jul 2007, 22:12
Nice one Pipergirl,
Thanks for your message, glad all went well and hopefully will see you busy v shortly! Will catch up soon,
LF :ok:
BigEndBob
17th Jul 2007, 22:57
Bit like getting the first airline job...if your face fits your in!
topcat450
18th Jul 2007, 07:52
I was asked to go for a check-ride
At your expense or theirs? :yuk:
pipergirl
18th Jul 2007, 18:29
Not on my expense at all..:ok:
Always Moving
19th Jul 2007, 01:46
Piper Girl!
What ever you do do not get con on paying for ANYTHING, there is plenty of FI job around the world NOW.
So if they start with the you have to pay for a check ride or transition to our models....run... it is a scam.
Good luck smile and hell! you are a girl and they are always welcome in aviation we need more of you.
topcat450
19th Jul 2007, 10:03
Not on my expense at all..
:ok: Excellent news. Good luck with it.
pipergirl
27th Jul 2007, 18:32
Well,
Went for my check-ride and it went really well and am starting in a few weeks..am delighted!:}:ok:
Well done Pipergirl! Did yer have to do Straight & Level?
Once you settle in you'll begin to LOVE the job. Nowhere in a normal working environment do you get the same job satisfaction, excitement and social interaction all in one package. :)
Plus ya get to meet so many nutters it's hilarious!
VFE.
Deano777
28th Jul 2007, 00:35
The aim of the game pipergirl is to stay alive long enough to see your next birthday, keep working on this pretence every year and you'll be fine, because believe me your students will try to kill you :ok:
pipergirl
28th Jul 2007, 11:48
I have to say, I am so looking forward to it.
I'd say there will be some interesting moments to say the least along the way and am mentally prepared for the worst, although I think that won't be enough!haha
No Straight and Level at all-thank god!:ok:
lady in red
29th Jul 2007, 21:53
don't forget the extra strong mints = the worst thing in the world is bad breath in the cockpit of a small aeroplane and even if you are pure it is often the student who has dog breath from smoking, coffee, curry or plain fear - teach them that if you offer the mint they need it! Take the hint here's the mint!
Happy instructing...