Pilot interview

[charliezuluvictor]

Hi,
I am a fresh CPL holder..I have a job interview coming up real soon..Prior to the interview is a group exercise..I have no idea about the kind of topics they can give in a group exercise for a Pilot selection..I would therefore like to ask for your help..
Any question Techincal or CRM that are likely to be asked in the Pilot interview are most welcome and will be highly appreciated..
I would like to thank you in advance for your help,


cheers

[camel toe]

In my experience the questions have been geared towards my experience. Unfortunately as you know the topics are wide ranging and you could get a Met question today and a Performance question tomorrow. My preparation was to read through a few (almost) random (there was a bit of thought) topics in my ATPL manuals and generally get back in the groove of all the theory. In recent interviews I have been able to answer the vast majority correctly, the important thing is if you don't know the answer DO NOT try and blag it - tell them you can't remember but you could find the answer by looking in jar ops/aircraft manuals etc. You may be asked to look at a Jepp plate too and brief it, this may lead to further questions.

Some interviewers may even try and lead you to the correct answer when you say you don't know.

I also had an interview in January and the guy gave me a chart and asked me to plan a route from x to y, get the weather and notams and brief him. He asked me why I chose the routing, the level etc and we discussed the associated weather (at the time icing was going to be a risk so we discussed it). It was very different to other interviews I have had but I got on with it and got the job. The key I suppose is to be prepared for anything and do not be afraid to admit gaps in your knowledge, that last bit I believe is very important. In subsequent chats with the guy who interviewed me in the relaxed atmosphere of the crew room, he's even said they are not looking for "know it alls", they want pilots who can "self assess", and not have an ego which stops them from admitting when they don't know something.

I've not had the joy of group exercises so cannot offer you any advice, I'm sure someone will be along soon who has recent experience.

Good luck,

Camel Toe
"Over Macho Grande?"

[charliezuluvictor]

I really appreciate your reply.
You are right. From what I have heard, the students who appeared for the interview earlier last month were all asked different question. some Technical, some Personal and some on Crew Resource Management so it would be a good Idea to keep myself updated and current on all the aviation knowledge I have goined so far.
I will keep in mind Icing and the freezing level.

Sometimes it happens that we go into so much detail that if asked a basic question, we fail to answer and therefore lose the job.

There are also some very common situational questions that we do not usually find in books. For example - What should a Co-pilot do in case the captain does not follow the checklist or turns up slightly drunk for a flight.
The best results for these questions can be achieved by discussing these questions and answers with experienced pilots like yourself and many others in this forum. This not only tells me what I should answer in an interview but also to follow in case such a situation actually occurs in my career.

Also I would appreciate it, if someone could tell me as to where I can learn to decipher high level weather charts (I think they are called Prognestic charts) and where I can find such sample charts since it is an airline interview. The METAR'S and TAF's shouldn't be a problem I believe.

Also I have studied a bit on jet engines but I am unable to think about the questions that are likely to be asked on it apart from the basic cycles. engine surge, etc. Would appreciate some help on the questions that could be asked on the jet engine.

I am also looking forward to more Information on the group exercise,

Thanks Again,
Cheers