VA CRFO Interview next month.What to Expect????

[MD_Attitude]

G'day

Can I get some insight on what to expect at the VA CRFO Interview/Group activity includng Psych test and anything else that I haven't mentioned here already.Thanks in advance :)

[gobbledock]

Exhibit lots of flair and be prepared to sell your soul to the Devil. The job will be yours !

[Oakape]

That's interesting - I was told there was a hiring freeze for the Virgin Group at the moment.

[beaver_rotate]

What to expect??? A BIG furry pineapple (the soft part) inserted in your bottom! Enjoy!

[Roxy_Chick_1989]

expect this thread to be closed :ok:

[KRUSTY 34]

Almost inevitable I'd say Roxy'.

But if an individual has to ask on Pprune what to expect in an interview for an International Widebodied "Pilot" position, it probably says volumes about said individuals experience in the industry.

Just the sort of person VA require for their CFO positions! :rolleyes:

[Captain Dart]

MD, a convincing demonstration, with 'flair', that you are willing to fly for food is all they will require. Then before you know it, you will be another starter in the 'race to the bottom', but then, look at you! You're in a BIG SHINY JET!

[MD_Attitude]

I guess Krusty Man you never did your home work before you went flying.Its all about Pre planning mate.I am guessing you missed the class where they taught you that .I put the blog up so that I could get some feedback from other V OZ pilots who has already been there and would like to give some feedback as how one should approach the Interview session and what to expect.I was just getting few info out of this and I think PPRUNE does good at it (well exceptions are always there !!!)

[MD_Attitude]

Thanks Capt Dart.I have been in aviation for a while and I believe that "can do " attitude goes a long way.Please feel free to PM me should you have any more info regading the above cause :)

[Captain Dart]

I've been in aviation a long time too, sonny, and for the last two decades I have had my conditions dragged down by persons lining up to join the airlines I have flown for on inferior terms of employment to mine.

You won't get any PMs from me.

[mince]

A wind up to be proud of MD. Complete with spelling mistakes.

Love your work

[B043]

Dart,

You got done!.....Hahaha

Try relaxing and staying positive :cool:

[KRUSTY 34]

At least for the sake of our profession, we all hope it's a wind-up!!! :D

[The Green Goblin]

I think I know who it is, and I can assure you it's not a windup :p

[das Uber Soldat]

I was just getting few info out of this and I think PPRUNE does good at it

I think he'll fit right in.

[Dragun]

VA CRFO Minimum Requirements:

- Little to no experience in real life
- Little to no self respect
- Little to no respect for the profession or fellow aviators
- Ability to eat baked beans for three (3) meals per day
- No career objectives; or
- The inability to see the lack of career options in the role
- Previous experience in taking large pineapples (adult film industry preferred)
- Couple of hundred hours in a piston single or whatever we feel like is appropriate at the time. No real flying experience necessary - just nod and say yes.

YOU ARE A DISGRACE!

[ernestkgann]

I dunno, about half of the initial intake are all now in the RHS of an Embraer or a 737. They're doing alright.

[Will See]

They got lucky after signing up for the original deal with VOZ - and good on them it's worked out well for them. They're pretty smug about it now, but I guess this wouldn't be the case if they were still sitting "in the back" with no progression within VOZ in sight. :sad:

I believe "possible" progression across to VB is now written in the adverts for VOZ CRFO's, where it wasn't initially. Should tempt a few more to apply for it I guess.

There will always be a willing supply of pilots to do it, as one dimwit at work professed the other day he would go and fly a jet for the same as his turboprop FO wage. When queried he stated (Quote) "Why not? It's the same money I am on now, but I'll be in a jet". :ugh::eek:

Thats what we're up against, with things like this and the Jetstar situation.:{

[GADRIVR]

So whats the alternative kiddies ?.......stay on his SFA paying job, eating less baked beans, trying to raise a family....the questions go on.
Fact is, with a general attitude like whats being directed to our alphabetically challenged friend, little wonder the bosses are laughing.
Here's a thought. Join an airline, accept the present conditions...then change aforesaid conditions with the help of your "fellow professional aviators" and thier various unions.
How about that boys and girls!
Geez:ugh:

[empacher48]

Here's a thought. Join an airline, accept the present conditions...then change aforesaid conditions with the help of your "fellow professional aviators" and thier various unions.

That just sounds like too much common sense for Pprune!

[j3pipercub]

GADRIVR

So whats the alternative kiddies ?.......stay on his SFA paying job, eating less baked beans, trying to raise a family....the questions go on.

Ummmm, yes. Alternatively, perpetuate the cycle and continue to drive down T&C's so in 15 years some other twonk just like you can make the same argument on here when all the GA guys are still being paid the same money... When VA first started advertising I was a casual earning 28k a year and I didn't apply cos I thought that I was above selling myself that short for a jet job. Obviously there were a lot out there that felt it was an ok price to pay, for both themselves and the industry.

Join an airline, accept the present conditions...then change aforesaid conditions with the help of your "fellow professional aviators" and thier various unions.

Yah huh, how many of the CZFO's as a percentage are Union members? I would love to see the figures and would be flabergasted if it exceeded 25%. Besides, if you signed a contract/are on an EBA, usually you can't have any additional claims until the expiry of the EBA. So how you going to change things from the 'inside' if you joined right at the beginning of a 4 year EBA?

But you're probably right, lets all sell ourselves for a comparable pittance so we can sit in the back and go to LA evey week. Sorry, I forgot Abu Dhabi next year as well.

This is for you

http://www.gadgettastic.com/images/biggest_swiss_army_knife.jpg

I dunno, about half of the initial intake are all now in the RHS of an Embraer or a 737. They're doing alright.

So what happenned to the other half? Still waiting for their interview with VB? Or have they finally created an official career progression from VA to VB?

j3

[Bo777]

GADRIVR what a great idea! NOT:ugh:

[das Uber Soldat]

Ah, GADRIVR :D

I elected not to apply for any of the pathetic airline exploitation schemes, stayed in GA and ended up with a decent paying job because I did exactly the opposite of what you said and refused to sell out.

So yes, there are alternatives

Oh and you spelled 'their' incorrectly. TAKE THAT. :E

However, noble stands aside, I think we as a group are fighting an ultimately futile battle against the reality of market forces. The simple truth is there are more pilots than pilot jobs, hence depression in our value. We can try to artificially drive up the wage through consolidated action and various other means, however ultimately the market always wins.

Of course that isn't going to stop me always pursuing the best return on my training investment I can.

[KRUSTY 34]

If there was "progression" either in VA or across to VB, then I would be the first one to say, "Go for it". As far as I know there is no progression. Those pilots that are now sitting in the RHS of a 737 or an Embraer had to first resign from their job (wonderful), and then apply to what is essentially another airline. Can anyone tell me where the hell you can draw any sort of conclusion to a link!

If those pilots sitting in the RHS of the above mentioned VB jets had applied or persisted with VB in the first place, then many of them would be sitting in the LHS by now! :rolleyes:


And don't tell me about "unspoken agreements" or quotas for qualified VA drivers. If it's not in writing, then it's purely at the "governor's pleasure". My guess is a token few to keep the desperate wannabes coming through the door. Next pineapple please! :ok:

[rmcdonal]

Can anyone tell me where the hell you can draw any sort of conclusion to a link!
Very Similar to QLink, resign and start again. :rolleyes:

[DUXNUTZ]

Can anyone who actually works there comment??? Any optimism to current VB EBA negotiations to roll all pilots under one list/terms???


Anything of constructive value plz...

[GADRIVR]

So J3...... a twonk therefore must wait his turn...which may or may not come along...try to raise a family, pay the bills and not get somewhere in life as one must pay the price as it were. The only cycle that is being perpetuated my dribbling friend is one of never getting there in the first place.
I'll let you in on some info Baldrick. Back in the days when you were crapping in your nappies, a big thing called a pilots strike happened.It would be fair to say that the employment scene, as a pilot in Australia changed from that time onwards.
The reality is that the industry has for all intents and purposes been deregulated. That means that the employers can do what the hell they want within legal reason.
Your answer to that is to do nothing....literally. Just sit there, wait for a turn that may or may not come along, throw rocks at others, look off into the distance in a noble fashion and hiss "splitters" occasionally.
Sorry mate......that strategy does not work. I know...I tried it!!!

Heres an alternative.
Join the airline of choice, join the appropriate union and change the terms and conditions. That is the only choice we have.
Markets have little to do with your Ts & Cs apart from apply some financial pressure to the management of that particular entity to cut costs, which must be balanced by unified intelligent well thought out industrial relations strategy from our side. Strikes don't work, splitting doesn't work and certainly "waiting your turn" only makes the problems we are facing worse as we move on in time.

So there you have it. There are people out there in our industry who have different circumstances compared to ourselves to deal with. You cannot abuse them when they make a decision that is best for their families. What you can do is get together with your compatriots and do something positive. Again...join the union....make a decision...change the T&Cs.

There is no other choice ultimately when you think about it. These airlines are going to keep popping up whether you like it or not J3....so stop bitching like a spoilt Gen Y brat, get a change of attitude and do something meaningful and positive whilst attempting to accept reality.

And just for the record...I've taken the same path as Das Uber, made the same decisions as Das Uber and stayed in GA. I can live with that however trouble is it doesn't pay well......but that that is changing and not through abusing my fellow aviators, sitting on a fence, or indeed whining about some of the scumbag employers.
Rather I made the choice to do something through my own actions and decisions to better myself, my workplace, positively enhance my workplace and ultimately the industry I've "chosen" to stay in.

I've met basically two kinds of aircrew over the last twenty years. The majority are intelligent, balanced individuals who would be a credit to any professional organisation. Nothing is too much trouble, they believe in give and take and as a rule want what is best for their industry and the people involved at all levels within it.

The other kind suffice to say would be better off locked up with Bubba with the only decision they need to make is deciding whether they should be the Mama or the Papa for the evening (and we all know what happens there right ?)

I'd strongly suggest J3 that you make a decision as to which group you choose to belong to. Seems you're possibly edging towards having to make a choice about wardrobe at this point....TWONK!:ugh:

Das Uber......as usual a well thought out post which is grammatically correct and gentle in it's intent. Good show.
Pity about the contradictions in logic machine gun boy!!!;)

[JetX]

I love reading this stuff because you are all so wrong.....
I don't know where the hell you all get your information from.... resigning ?? Come on!!! Seriously!!!... NO! As if you would join with NO progression!!!! Of course there is progression!! :ugh:

[das Uber Soldat]

Its not contradictory logic.

I simply covered both bases so that its impossible for me to be wrong. :E

[GADRIVR]

Das Baby......once again you've thwarted my efforts to engage in logical reasoned debate with irrational nonsense!! I curse you son...I curse you!!!:{

[lk978]

I am a big believer in letting market forces take their path... but I think it is time CASA legislate min experience for RPT operations >5700 kg.

You can argue all day about how many hours is enough. It would just be nice to have a goal of say 1500 hours or ATPL.

[j3pipercub]

JetX,

Can you confirm that there is now guaranteed progression across from VA into the RHS with VB/PB? If so that is a pretty interesting change. When the job was first advertised I distinctly remember a phrase along the lines of 'Career Progression will be very limited'. If there is a progression, it is awesome for the guys who are in there :ok:.

GADRIVR,

Where to begin,

Firstly,

So J3...... a twonk therefore must wait his turn...which may or may not come along...try to raise a family, pay the bills and not get somewhere in life as one must pay the price as it were. The only cycle that is being perpetuated my dribbling friend is one of never getting there in the first place.
I'll let you in on some info Baldrick. Back in the days when you were crapping in your nappies, a big thing called a pilots strike happened.It would be fair to say that the employment scene, as a pilot in Australia changed from that time onwards.

Ah the old, I'm older therefore wiser thing, thanks Blackadder. I see you also dropped in the Gen Y gem too, I'll get to that later. You whinge and whine about GA being stuffed and not being able to raise a family on the wages. Well, it was your choice to have a family whilst in GA, or join GA when you had a family. Either way. A fairly selfish thing to do, seeing as you seem to think the industry is shagged. It never used to be.

For the record, during the pilot's strike, I wasn't crapping my nappies, I was wetting the bed. I do have a little more insight into the pilots strike than most my age, there is a reason I have lived in 17 different places in my life.

The reality is that the industry has for all intents and purposes been deregulated. That means that the employers can do what the hell they want within legal reason.
Your answer to that is to do nothing....literally. Just sit there, wait for a turn that may or may not come along, throw rocks at others, look off into the distance in a noble fashion and hiss "splitters" occasionally.
Sorry mate......that strategy does not work. I know...I tried it!!!

So does this mean you've crossed to the dark side? No, you don't just sit there and do nothing, nor do you feel hard done by if you never make it to the jet, but don't sell yourself. I don't throw rocks or get on a high horse like you sir, I simply will not follow the hoardes who are crawling over eachother to go to a LCC to T & C's that are well below industry standards. I didn't do it when I was on the bread line and I will not do it now. Maybe there is a reason you never got past the Psych + Skills...

There is no other choice ultimately when you think about it. These airlines are going to keep popping up whether you like it or not J3....so stop bitching like a spoilt Gen Y brat, get a change of attitude and do something meaningful and positive whilst attempting to accept reality.

Now, this Gen Y thing. I do not seek instant gratification. If I did, I would have applied to VA 3 years ago, I would hopefully be flying the shiny jet (read sitting in the back). Therefore I disagree that I fit the category of Gen Y, you useless old wannabe has-been (Not nice when you're pigeon holed hey?). And not all LCC are created equal, but you should know that right?

I've met basically two kinds of aircrew over the last twenty years. The majority are intelligent, balanced individuals who would be a credit to any professional organisation. Nothing is too much trouble, they believe in give and take and as a rule want what is best for their industry and the people involved at all levels within it.

And of course you think you fit into that category hey... But just for the record, I've met several different types of aircrew in my time. I think you should look at the unionpilot website mate, you strike me as a pissant.

The other kind suffice to say would be better off locked up with Bubba with the only decision they need to make is deciding whether they should be the Mama or the Papa for the evening

Geez, I thought it was a secret about what I did to pay for my flying lessons...

j3

[bangbounceboeing]

So many lies on this subject. the fact are..........
1 15-20 guys have moved over to vb and 1 to pb
2 none had to pay for there endorsments, just another 2 years added to what was left of the 777 bond.
3 most got the base and type they wanted
4 they start at level 3 fo's as they all have more than 1000 jet
so all in all things are pretty good compared to some of the other rubbish gigs out there, for those that joined at the begining, they now have 2 valuable type rating on there licence and are now earning over a 100k:ok:

[JetX]

J3 and others, There is career progression from VA to VB. You apply internally after 18-24 months with VA. Most CFO's who have been here that long either took an E-jet or 737 FO job, some got told to reapply in 6 months and some have rejected E-Jet FO positions while waiting for 737 courses to start again.
It's not all bad..... and it's not for life. If you don't like it, you just leave after doing your time.

[GADRIVR]

....and yet J3...you still don't have an answer to the question on how best to improve this industry from an industrial relations standpoint!

Remind me to put your name forward for the next round of T&C negotiations as a participant in the process!! That should be a hoot!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to my miserable life complaining bitterly about my lot in life, waiting for a chance that will never come (see the above "useless old wannabe has-been") whilst wondering how I came to be in this position in my quest for an airline career (again, see "pissant" above) when I have this unbelievable unoticed and unappreciated ability (see "remoak").

I look forward to your erudite reply:E

Regards,
Drivr

[inandout]

Actually 30 months not 2 years and most start on Level 2 and not all have more than 1000hrs Jet. All FACT.

[j3pipercub]

JetX,

Cheers for the info.

GADRIVR, my learned fellow,

Thought long and hard about it and realised I'd rather watch re-runs of Judge Judy whilst driving clouting nails through my eyelids than bother engaging with you again.

j3

[Seriously]

Also when you move to VB unlike the guys coming off the street to do the endorsement the VA guys/gals will still be getting paid and accomodation allowances while not in their home base of Sydney. They do not resign, they keep their same staff number.

Additionally there is an EBA being negotiated at the moment with renumeration and career progression the major points.

For all the haters out there grow up:rolleyes:

[Howard Hughes]

MD, my only advice would be make sure you get involved in the group exercise!:ok:

PS: Apologies for staying on topic...

[GADRIVR]

Ah come off it J3....you love it as much as I do...go on admit it!!:ok:

[MD_Attitude]

thank for the info :) I am already on top of it , cheers