Virgin Interviews in Jan/Feb

[foxtel]

OK, Ive had the email but has anyone had the phone call for the date?

[123567]

Maybe I've too much experience, I've been registered for over one and a half years now and have only received the progress report emails.

Maybe 4500 hours tt with 2000 t/p and 700 PIC t/p is too much or is it not enough???

No calls please i'm busy...

[farcup77]

As far as I know dates have been allocated for january,got a mate going in on the 9th.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!:D

[BongoDriver]

I know you have to have mates in VB to get an interview. I have 2 in there at the moment. 1 is a captain the other is a very new FO. Obviously it's not enough that they recommend me.

Seriously thinking I might have to be in GA for another year......

[The Bullwinkle]

Hey BongoDriver, Digger reckons a couple of his mates have got interviews, and they apparently didn't have anybody in there batting for them. Hope for us all yet............

[Keg]

Just an observation but if people reckon that QF is full of nepotism, is that better or worse than cronyism? ;) :D

[mjbow2]

Its no different, and no worse. Right or wrong it makes the job search a challenge.....but as long as you know the rules.....youre in the game with a chance. Credentials now mean less than your networking skills....

[djembe56]

Do potential pilots have to bring their mums to the interview?

Heard the other day (tongue in cheek I'm sure) that the FA wannabes have to bring their mums with them to give the interviewers an idea of how they'll age!!!!

[Knave]

Bring in their mothers to see how they age? I think its safe to say Qantas never had such a policy. If I brought my father in the interviewers would get an earful about the bloody British Empire and how all english are bastards. Could be fun.

[I'm with stupid]

123567, not thats it's any consolation, but there are guys with more jet command time than you have TT waiting to get in, as well as numerous 737 RHS experienced guys.
So I don't think it has any thing to do with experience.

[FO Cokebottle]

Haaaaharrrrrr......."The Great Game" is alive and well

[ComeByChance]

I know of three guys who have been successful with VB within the last 2 months. All 3 knew pilots at VB and their inteviews were straight forward with no tech questions. Their total hours ranged from around 2500 up to 11000 hours, no jet time but all 3 had RPT turboprop time. All three had been applying for at least 12 months and one had first applied over 2 years ago.

Good luck to those with interviews in Feb and March.

[Natit]

A few ADL guys have been accepted and are moving on to bigger and better things. One has almost completed the sim check.

Good luck to em, and may hosties look gorgeous for years to come you lucky bastards! :D

[Menen]

With over 2000 applicants trying for Virgin Blue - many with highly impressive qualifications - is it any wonder that the interview board have a difficult job to decide who to interview. At least you don't get knocked back because of aptitude test results, because there are no aptitude tests - not like Qantas and most international operators.

The interviews are relaxed and friendly and from what I hear unless you come across as pushy or arrogant, then you have a job. It really is a case of crossing your fingers and hoping that one day you'll get the nod for an interview. Just because someone gets the nod in front of you, doesn't mean that they are any better or any worse than you - it is just their lucky day - like getting a big prize in the lottery.

You can help your own luck by just hanging in there and never give up trying. Persistence usually pays off in the long run. :)

[djembe56]

Is it true that there is now a form to be filled in by Virgin pilots when they are supporting someone's job application? Heard that 6 forms were required before an interview is considered?

[ComeByChance]

Yes there is a form that Virgin Blue pilots can fill out if they wish to recommend a pilot, it makes it easy for the person in charge of recruitment. They can attach the form to the pilots application, and it makes it easier to refer to when an if needed. They have been in use for almost a year now. I don' think it matters how many forms are put in. But from what I hear most pilots who are getting interviews have had at least 2 recommendation forms put in for them, but I do know 2 pilots who only had 1.

I believe those with FEB dates have been notified, not to sure about March.

[swamper]

VB called last week, I have been on the books for about 18 months, have 10000 hours, RPT turboprop, and 1 friend on the inside.

It appears that there are a lot of applicants and persistence is the way to go.

Good luck to all.

[E.P.]

Why are the "recommendation forms" a secret? There is no reference to them anywhere in relation to the VB requirements and application forms, only here on this forum.

VB should also have the moral and professional courtesy of advising those who do not or WILL NEVER meet their requirements, so they are not in limbo forever.

[swamper]

Does anyone know what the format of the VB interview is , what type of questions are asked etc ?

[mention1]

Ok, here are the facts that I know.

Spoke to a VB airport manager the other day and he said that there are "close to 3000 pilots on the books", presume wanting a job and have the quals.

Of the 5 blokes I know with start dates all are going to Melbourne for the endorsement. I assume that's the old Ansett sim centre. Costs around $19,000.

I have around 6500 hrs total, 1200 turbo prop and 500 pure jet. I haven't got a call in the 2 1/2 years I've been waiting, just the status broadcast e-mails, which I appreciate.

However, I know of 2 friends with RPT turbo prop experience that claim they had no inside help. They now have start dates.

As already stated, I guess its just perserverance and patience. Good Luck to all! :)

[I'm with stupid]

Better put a few more coins in the money box, I believe the endorsement has just gone from 19,500 to 23,500, now thats what I call inflation ! :(

[Servo]

Stupid, Just confirmed that the cost of the course in Melbourne is $21,500. Yes it did go up from $19,500.

I understand that there will be a few vacancies in a Queensland based Qantas regional coming up shortly. Most of the new "virgins" only have turbo prop time, one having a command, the others are all FO's I think.

Frustrating I know but it will happen........... all good things come to those who wait!

Don't give up. When you do get an interview, study, study, study.:O

Has anyone got an interview date for February or March yet. Has anyone had an interview very recently? If so what start date have you been given................. if you dont mind me asking?:cool:

[Up and Away Again]

Well it does sound hard to get into VB.

Don't laugh too much when I ask if they take direct entry captains with a 737 rating.

Is this possible?

[liquid_gold]

Know of a bloke that had a successful interview in late January. He has been given a start date in June. One would expect that you would need a fair amount of this time to give notice to your current employer, do the endorsement, move to BNE or MEL and be ready to go.
Up and Away, in the past there have been direct entry Captains however at the moment they only seem to be F/O's. Hope that helps.

[swamper]

Does anyone know what they are asking at the interview???

Any info would be appreciated.

[Up and Away Again]

Thanks liquid gold, I hope it helps too!!

[the maori mobster]

so what you fella's are telling little me is that once i get my cpl in approx. 1 month and i have my cuzzies working on the books inside the company then i stand a fair whack at the big virgin planes with those hosties?

cool bro, a little fella like myself could get quite a nice crack at one of those big jets that i see all the time passing overhead into auckland.

massey fella said that once i finish i get a job at one of those big places.:D

[I'm with stupid]

Once you got 500 hours cuz, you'll be a shoe in eh bro'

[Misty Air]

Kia ora bro.
Things are never as straight forward as they look.
Ka pai:cool:

[planejane]

Back to the top of the list for this topic!

Please if you have done an interview lately, what was the format, questions etc that you encountered????

Any information greatly appreciated!! :O

[FPC]

Heard that the VB pilots EBA has just been signed. Anyone know what the pay rates are?

[I'm with stupid]

Plane, from what I have heard ( friends, not personal experience )
the less experience you have the more technical the interview gets, some guys from small t/prop backgrounds have been asked 20.7 stuff .
there are at least 3 different guys that do the interview so no 2 interviews will be the same.
As usual it pays to know about : the A/C you fly inside out, Virgin, Virgin fleet, CAOs and CARs, CRM, etc.

[BPA]

I've heard the same IWS.

After talking with about 20 guys and gals who have had interviews with DJ it does seem that the less experienced you are the more likely you will be asked more technical questions( ie High speed flight). When I say less experience I'm talking about pilots with less than 2000-3000 hours and may have little or no turbine time. Anyone with more than that and have been flying RPT turboprops/jets or night freight (both jets and turboprops) seem to get an interview that is more of get to know you. Also if you do miss out the first time, if you get a second interview you can expect the interview to be contain many technical questions.

[Jawz]

has anyone heard what the interviews are like with the new CP?

[fmcinop]

Straight from the mouth of one of the management pilots who conduct interviews, 1/3 of all pilots employed don't know anyone in the company. The other 2/3 do.

Just because you have a million hours does not mean you will get an interview. They look at a lot more than just total time or time on type.

It's still a hell of a lot better than that ridiculous system employed by Quaintass recruitment.

How many good guys have missed out and how many complete wankers have got in.

No I am not sore. I have never applied to Qantas...ever!

[Capt Stabbin]

It's still a hell of a lot better than that rediculous system employed by Quaintass recruitment.

Didn't get through the English part eh?

[Enema Bandit's Dad]

Why would you want to fly for Virgin if Qantas are recruiting?

[International Trader]

I think the important question at interview is: will you cough up for the endorsement.

Are they still working under the shonky scenario of getting you to pay for the training from one organization, then getting the VB checkie to give you the check ride and then sign the employment forms before the endorsement forms only if you pass the Check?
Does CASA endorse this, or are they turning a blind eye?
How can the company's check and training standards be met with 1 sim ride? What does their AOC state about induction training. All the others have had to provide training departments. simulators etc because that is a condition of the AOC and is regulated by CASA.
What's the story at VB....... All on lease?
If this is the case it is shonky, disgusting and unprofessional.
So you pay to prop up the share price of VB and the management make even more money from dividends?
Are VB pilots members of the AFAP? What do they say?
And what do you get for your trouble peanuts.... Well, peanuts buys monkeys or maybe people just desperate to work in Australia.
Tradesmen can make more money with better tax benefits.

If JQ do the same then they are just as bad.

Go overseas. The world is a small place with lucrative jobs to be had, or become a plumber or an electrician

[Prop's ????]

International Trader

You have got it wrong.

Before your check ride with virgin, you must have completed a 737-command endorsement. Eg: at ETA you fly 8 sim’s, the 9th is an endorsement check with an ETA instructor.

The VB check pilot is having a look at your general handling skills, airmanship, crew coordination and CRM. They don’t expect you to be an expert on the spot.

The standards re: one sim ride? Qantas only give one check ride, don’t they?

Get with the current times, I don’t believe paying for the endorsement is the right way to go, but lets face it, do you want a job or not.

If you are working overseas, well good on ya. Most guys I know want to come back, or as soon as they get holidays they are straight back for a few weeks. I love flying in Aus, and am happy to do what ever it takes to get a job.

[OhForSure]

So where are these recent hires doing the rating? Brissie with DJ or MEL with ETA???

I'm assuming ETA just have a classic sim and once pilots have the rating they get a conversion course at DJ/Brissie?

How many pilots does DJ have now 600 odd?

Anyone know time to command at present?

Cheers.

[oldhasbeen]

Anywhere from 6 months to 5 years, depending how brown you want yu tongue!:mad: :mad:

[footloose]

Not true old hb.
Command upgrades now appear to be chosen on start date provided they have kept their nose clean. Not so good news for the many well experienced (previous jet and jet command time) FOs out there who have joined more recently. Would be interested to hear from these guys re what was said to them at interview with regard time to left seat.

[The Bullwinkle]

Why would you want to fly for Virgin if Qantas are recruiting?

1. Don't like Longhaul

2. Don't like the idea of being a 2 striped passenger for years

3. Don't like the bull**** that goes with being part of QANTAS

4. Do like flying several sectors per day

5. Do like being brisbane based

There's a few reasons off the top of my head.

[turbantime]

6. The Hosties!!!! :E

[Transition Layer]

7. The leather jacket

[Skypatrol]

Bullwinkle,
Are you mad?

8. Pay for endorsement
9. Fly a maggot for 5 sectors a day
10. Get paid less than a QF 2 striper as a DJ 3 striper
11. Fly nothing bigger than a maggot
12. Fly nowhere further than the flat earth of Oz

[The Bullwinkle]

Bullwinkle, Are you mad? Very possibly.

8. Pay for endorsementA one off outlay, recouped easily within first year of employment. Compared to the amount most of us paid without any guarantee of employment of any sort, I would just call this a wise investment.
9. Fly a maggot for 5 sectors a dayCompared to flying 12 to 15 sectors a day in a Twin-Otter (which I might also add was very enjoyable), no big deal. Not every day is a 5 sector day, but on the same token it's also not one 12 hour boring single sector
10. Get paid less than a QF 2 striper as a DJ 3 striperYou couldn't pay me enough money to just sit there and be the captains sexual adviser (when he wants your Fu...ng opinion, he'll ask you). Tom Andrews from 7C could sit in the right seat once the aircraft is at cruising level. That prospect doesn't thrill me at all
11. Fly nothing bigger than a maggotI was once told by someone far wiser than you, that the size of the aircraft does not determine the ability of the pilot. I just love flying, and the opportunity to take a jet aircraft into places where your BIG machines can't go adds to the appeal.
12. Fly nowhere further than the flat earth of OzI pretty much agreed with this one when I said I don't like longhaul, hence flying around OZ suits me perfectly.

I find it quite remarkable that QANTAS pilots can't comprehend that not everybody wants to fly for QANTAS, or that they must be flying for Virgin because they couldn't get into QANTAS.

Everybody has their reasons for doing what they do. I fly for Virgin and I am happy. If you are happy flying for QANTAS, then good for you too.

I was just giving my response to the question Why would you want to fly for Virgin if Qantas are recruiting? that was asked earlier.

[18-Wheeler]

11. Fly nothing bigger than a maggot
12. Fly nowhere further than the flat earth of Oz


Luxury.
Where do I sign up?

I couldn't care less what size Boeing I fly, as long as it's in Aus. ;)

[Iron Bar]

Bully you are mad !!!

A one off outlay to be repaid plus the interest. In addition to the amount most of us paid without any guarentee of employment of any sort. I would just call this a right royal rip off.


- Max hours, insufficient establishment
(other airlines have similar issues)

BUT

- Reduced wages

AND

- No overtime ??


You pay the 20k for the Micky Mouse 8 sim endorsment to slave for bugger all and contribute to the erosion of pay and conditions everywhere else.

This applies equally to the likes of J*, JC etal.

This issue has been done to death, but paying ridiculous amounts of money to buy a job in a substandard airline is becoming the norm and should be resisted not encouraged. :ok:

You lot should be saying. Yeah this was my only choice. I had to bend over, take it from RB (or whoever) and fork out the dollars for my jet job and I'm pissed off about it. Then fight like hell to bring your conditions up and stop the rort. Not try and justify a blatent ripoff with "this is a wise investment" or any other such crap. :ok:

[Home Brew]

Enema Bandit's Dad Quote
"Why would you want to fly for Virgin if Qantas are recruiting?"

Because what future do you have with the red rat - all this flying being given to jet*, domestic & across the Tasman, Australian airlines? Will there be anything left of QF in the future???

[The Bullwinkle]

to slave for bugger all
You've got to be joking, right????

I have done plenty of other jobs before flying, and I can tell you that a) this is not slaving and b) it's hardly bugger all.

In fact none of my previous jobs paid this much . Why must it always be about the money?

[Iron Bar]

Granted Bully perhaps I exaggerate slightly.

Delete

"slave for bugger all"

Insert

"Work well above avarage industry hours for well below average industry conditions"

Not quite as dramatic but amounts to the same thing...... It's all relative.

To you the money may not be an issue and good luck to you. But I value my qualifications very highly and object to those who would have them and therefore the lifestyle of myself and my family devalued.

[Macrohard]

Iron Bar says;

Work well above avarage industry hours for well below average industry conditions

Can you confirm what "well above average industry hours" means ? How many hours are the "average industry hours"? Are we talking duty or flight hours?
Personally 650-700 stick p.a. doesn't seem too overworked.

What are the "average industry conditions"?
Would you consider EK are in the same boat if you are looking at take home pay?
Have you been to many job sites lately and seen what "the average" B737 pilot gets paid? I think not!

[Walrus]

I have had insiders enquire about my application and learnt they have an internal age limit policy on new recruits. Story is they aren't growing and they don't have enough natural attrition of the older pilots.

[Global TM]

Love the make me feel better/bitter comments expressed, for example ’’just because you have thousands of hours’’-‘’you need to know someone on the inside’’-‘’I’ve been waiting for 2 years’’ – ‘’mate of mine knew 2 contacts before he’’- to get a look at with VB.

Guys/Gals wake up-Current licence, type rating, international experience, would put one way ahead of someone with thousands of turbine hours. One is rated and experienced, the other isn’t. The guy with turbine domestic experience does not even know what a CAT III Landing would look like-no offence- as supposed to some that flies the same approach 4 times a day for 6 months of the year to a zillion different airports.

Guess at who would an experienced HR person/Chief pilot will look at first-regardless if one has to pay for their type rating(endorsement).Paying for a type and not being able to cope has far greater risk and cost associated with it than someone with proven experience. And with proven experience that candidate might just as well have all the non technical credentials (otherwise they would not be in that position had they not)

But hey that’s Australian Aviation- just like what Hilary Clinton’s interpretation of a penis is – It’s a rumour that is passed around from mouth to mouth.
Like all professionals???? Try to apply logic.

[FYC]

Can anyone please tell me the name of the VB new CP?

Also, where can one find VB company info, as the VB website is lacking?

TA:8

[T3000]

so what is the internal age limit? Is 38 too old?

[Fly Jimmy]

Hay Guys,

Is it possible to be based in Sydney when flying for Virgin???????

[PCFlyer]

Age limit? what the ... ?

I thought the whole point of an age limit was to provide for a minimum return of service to recover costs the company has spent training you.

With a LCC like VB or Jet* you are paying your training costs ... what does it matter to them?

[tinpis]

I know of one pilot hired by VB would have been a cuppla years off 60.
If you got something they want they will hire you.

[Alien Sex God]

Do you pay the cost of the endorsment through salary sacrifice?