Yeah, but you'd have to live in the USA. Been there, done that, and it's not for everyone.

April 29 dates were given early December, may dates should theoretically be allocated soon

Hi guys,
cant find much information about ATPL theory questions asked on the day? does this still occur?
and what methods do people use to brush up on theory. short from hitting the books.
cheers

It’s all very basic stuff like wing sweep, flap types, braking performance on wet runway etc, I’d say no real study required, the right answer will stand out from the other multiple choices.

I work for VA, joined very early back when it started. There was no real technical interview back then but I still studied just because that’s what you do for an airline interview. I can’t help you with any answers to your questions as I haven’t ever had anything to do with interviews/recruitment but my advice is yes do a fair bit of study because…that’s just what you do…for an airline interview. If your asked a followup question to the ‘standard answer’, you need to be able to talk about topics a little bit deeper. If you can’t, you’re out. The topics mentioned by Tbot are all very applicable but please ignore the rest of his\her advice. If you study for days, weeks, months…whatever, even if they don’t ask any ‘hard’ technical questions on the day, the knowledge of course will still be of benefit. Tbot mentions the answer will stand out from the other multiple choice answers so I am not sure if your question was about a written tech exam or face to face interviews, in any case……I would study if I was you……if you want the job…..

And before I get written off as a ‘fanboy’, I agree 100% with Red69, morale is at an all time low amongst the pilot group. But let’s hope that the new EA and after Bain %#$& off after the float (fingers crossed) it may get better:ugh::rolleyes:

To clarify, the 20 or so ATPL theory questions are only asked in the computer aptitude test battery. They are multiple choice basic questions that anyone who has completed their ATPL exams should easily be able to answer with no additional study. I should have expanded to say yes of course study and prepare as much as you can, but the energy is far better spent on preparing examples for the behavioural interview questions and rehearsing the sim profile (both of which are available though pinstripe etc).

Thanks Tbot for the clarification. Like I said I was unaware of the actual process..

Do VA really hire pilots at 500 hours? VA's website says 500 hours is the minimum but will they actually give you a job? As someone finishing high school at the end of this year this seems like it's too good to be true. Although the position requires 200 hours of multi engine time (which seems to be a problem for a lot of new pilots) I can't wrap my head around this. Will they even look at you without a degree or loads of hours?

In short, no they probably won't. The closest they have come to hiring someone with those minimums are the cadets they rehired. They all have had a bit more then 500 hours but no multi time.

​​​​I was hired without a degree and 3000 hours and I was one of the least experienced (in terms of total hours) in my group

For another perspective….

Current FO, earnt over $200k last financial year… and I’m relatively happy. (Note I don’t commute)

12 DDOs a roster is pretty good. Work them if you want to, or dont!

Yes the base is down at $135k odd, but with regular 80 hour rosters and a bit of undertime still to be had, it’s pretty easy to earn more.

Morale? 🤷‍♂️ On the line, sector to sector, I’m pretty happy. I have close friends at other operators and it could be said that morale is ****** there too… so it’s all relative. Company politics are **** no matter where you go. Does it affect you day to day? Only if you left it.

It’s a domestic airline, have your eyes open. 4 sector days. 12 hour duties. A bit of back of the clock here and there. It is what it is. Don’t like it, shoot for QF/JQ and enjoy long haul. Horses for courses.

Some have left, many haven’t. Some have left and come back!! Most redundant pilots who want to come back, have. Some may be holding out till 2026 but not many.

Good luck with the application. Look forward to seeing new people out on the line…

This low hours thing has historically been so the airlines can hire ex military pilots who, depending on the frame, are lucky to do 100hrs a year, so unfortunately no as someone else implied, you wouldn't be hired with 500 hours and especially with no multi

Is it true that all type ratings are now in perth?

Thanks for the heads up. never really thought of accomodations for low time military so that actually explains a few things.

Most seem to be in Perth with the occasional one in Brisbane. Not sure if they are still sending people to Europe for the type rating. Plan long term is to do it all internally.

some yes, but also still sending people to Milan too.

Anyone know if VA have taken 737 rated offshore guys who are able to operate on a 12 month Cert of Validation from CASA until conversion takes place? or are they required to convert to CASA ATPL prior to commencement of employment?