GA Interview Theory Questions
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GA Interview Theory Questions
Hi guys,
Currently on the GA job hunt circuit - mostly spray & pray with e-mails which I realise it's less than ideal but once I get some money behind me will be making sure to get to far-north WA/the NT so I can attempt to get some face time with operators.
Just wanted to know from anyone who has recently gone through the process themselves, or from Chief Pilots or anyone else involved in the interview process - is there a particular area of theory or set of questions that I should look at studying to prepare for the technical side of any interview?
I know that I need to know the last aircraft I've been flying inside and out as well as a pretty decent idea about the operator themselves but are there any particular parts of air law, AGK, aerodynamics or anything else that I should concentrate on? Is the CPL/IR flight-test theory a good jumping off point?
Just want to make sure I'm prepared as possible so I don't go in there and get stumped on a basic question or piece of theory that maybe I need to refresh.
Thanks for your help!
Currently on the GA job hunt circuit - mostly spray & pray with e-mails which I realise it's less than ideal but once I get some money behind me will be making sure to get to far-north WA/the NT so I can attempt to get some face time with operators.
Just wanted to know from anyone who has recently gone through the process themselves, or from Chief Pilots or anyone else involved in the interview process - is there a particular area of theory or set of questions that I should look at studying to prepare for the technical side of any interview?
I know that I need to know the last aircraft I've been flying inside and out as well as a pretty decent idea about the operator themselves but are there any particular parts of air law, AGK, aerodynamics or anything else that I should concentrate on? Is the CPL/IR flight-test theory a good jumping off point?
Just want to make sure I'm prepared as possible so I don't go in there and get stumped on a basic question or piece of theory that maybe I need to refresh.
Thanks for your help!
Bit of a tough one because CP's are all different, but at least know what an operations manual is and how to read one. Know where the current rules pertaining to charter are and how to look them up. Find out what the company does before the interview, what they operate and where they operate
As an aside, i recently interviewed two instructors, one didn't know what Part 61 was, the other had a copy on his Ipad. You can guess which one got the job. For charter I would expect the same with current (charter) rules.
I am sure others will add more, that's all I can think of currently.
As an aside, i recently interviewed two instructors, one didn't know what Part 61 was, the other had a copy on his Ipad. You can guess which one got the job. For charter I would expect the same with current (charter) rules.
I am sure others will add more, that's all I can think of currently.
Varies wildly between operators....
One of mine involved a very causal chat with the CP and a quick NDB approach in their Sim.
Another wanted to know every detail regarding asymmetric flying...
One of mine involved a very causal chat with the CP and a quick NDB approach in their Sim.
Another wanted to know every detail regarding asymmetric flying...
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It's been a while, but what I remember from my GA interviews were:
If you have an ETA of xxx and you have a tempo till xxx, how much holding fuel do you need?
What's your VFR met mins?
What would you do if you realised you wouldn't make it back before last light in a single engine with pax?
MTOW of current a/c being flown?
What do you know about us?
Why do you want to work for us?
5 year plan? (Be honest, every GA operator knows you don't want to stay there for life so don't BS them)
Tell us about yourself
A time you've had to make a decision on the spot that may not be popular?
Ever had to deal with difficult pax?
Have you had to refuel from drums? Do you know how to remove seats etc.
That's all I can remember, hope it's helps to give you a bit of an understanding
If you have an ETA of xxx and you have a tempo till xxx, how much holding fuel do you need?
What's your VFR met mins?
What would you do if you realised you wouldn't make it back before last light in a single engine with pax?
MTOW of current a/c being flown?
What do you know about us?
Why do you want to work for us?
5 year plan? (Be honest, every GA operator knows you don't want to stay there for life so don't BS them)
Tell us about yourself
A time you've had to make a decision on the spot that may not be popular?
Ever had to deal with difficult pax?
Have you had to refuel from drums? Do you know how to remove seats etc.
That's all I can remember, hope it's helps to give you a bit of an understanding
In interviews, I expect prospective pilots to be well versed in the type of flying they currently do (if they come from another flying job) or for which they are qualified and likely to be employed in for the job they are interviewing for.
For example, a pilot looking for a first job needs to have a solid understanding of day VFR flight operations - rules, regulations and some insight in the practical aspects that tell me he/she has learnt from a flying instructor that actually has a clue! Sadly for most pilots in this situation, they fail miserably on the last count - so unless they really impress in other areas, I will keep looking for someone else...
A pilot looking for a role which will enable stepping up to twins / IFR, etc will likely have been employed in S/E charter or instructing or whatever. I will look to see that they have a good grasp on that type of work. For example, if the prospective is a flying instructor, then I will ask some aerodynamic stuff from a basic syllabus and have them explain it to me. I will also give some "what if" scenarios regarding trainees, to see if they have any instructional technique at all, or if they have used their instructing time to simply patter sequences to poor unsuspecting victims (as in those who failed in the previous paragraph!) and watch the VDO roll over. If the pilot has S/E VFR charter experience, they will be asked about the operating environment they have worked in, the lessons they've learnt and how they have dealt with basic charter type challenges (ie "the AI doesn't work, is there a work-through for this and if so, what hazards and risk mitigators are there for you to consider?"). For these people, I'm not interested in how this relates to my operation or what they want to soon be doing, rather - I want to see if they have developed (ie learnt from) the flying they have been doing. This is the cornerstone of professionalism and is the focus of my interview questions.
Additionally, know (well) the aircraft types you list as having flown. If your resumes boasts hours in a C210 or 206 - I will go there from a technical perspective! This is potentially a double-edged sword, as listing these things is an effort to stand out from the competition but you'd better be prepared to pony up on the "general competency" aspects!!
One thing that is quite desirable to me is practical context. In answering a question, don't just "take the square root of the pickle" - also show me "how to get the lid off the jar!". For those with operating experience, this should be relatively easy. For those new to the game, it will require some analysis and foresight - which is what will actually make a newbie stand out from the crowd. I value this more than 5 hrs experience in a "200 series"...
Let's face it, it's more about the person than the hours in the logbook at this stage of a career - the difference between a 250 hr pilot and a 750 hr pilot in most cases is simply 500 hrs of compounded BS habits, that have been bedded in due to poor initial instruction at a sausage factory flying school, a general lack of mentoring and an ego that doesn't match capability...
Also refer the first few pages of the Advice to Newbies thread - the stuff in there is still relevant and complementary to this discussion.
For example, a pilot looking for a first job needs to have a solid understanding of day VFR flight operations - rules, regulations and some insight in the practical aspects that tell me he/she has learnt from a flying instructor that actually has a clue! Sadly for most pilots in this situation, they fail miserably on the last count - so unless they really impress in other areas, I will keep looking for someone else...
A pilot looking for a role which will enable stepping up to twins / IFR, etc will likely have been employed in S/E charter or instructing or whatever. I will look to see that they have a good grasp on that type of work. For example, if the prospective is a flying instructor, then I will ask some aerodynamic stuff from a basic syllabus and have them explain it to me. I will also give some "what if" scenarios regarding trainees, to see if they have any instructional technique at all, or if they have used their instructing time to simply patter sequences to poor unsuspecting victims (as in those who failed in the previous paragraph!) and watch the VDO roll over. If the pilot has S/E VFR charter experience, they will be asked about the operating environment they have worked in, the lessons they've learnt and how they have dealt with basic charter type challenges (ie "the AI doesn't work, is there a work-through for this and if so, what hazards and risk mitigators are there for you to consider?"). For these people, I'm not interested in how this relates to my operation or what they want to soon be doing, rather - I want to see if they have developed (ie learnt from) the flying they have been doing. This is the cornerstone of professionalism and is the focus of my interview questions.
Additionally, know (well) the aircraft types you list as having flown. If your resumes boasts hours in a C210 or 206 - I will go there from a technical perspective! This is potentially a double-edged sword, as listing these things is an effort to stand out from the competition but you'd better be prepared to pony up on the "general competency" aspects!!
One thing that is quite desirable to me is practical context. In answering a question, don't just "take the square root of the pickle" - also show me "how to get the lid off the jar!". For those with operating experience, this should be relatively easy. For those new to the game, it will require some analysis and foresight - which is what will actually make a newbie stand out from the crowd. I value this more than 5 hrs experience in a "200 series"...
Let's face it, it's more about the person than the hours in the logbook at this stage of a career - the difference between a 250 hr pilot and a 750 hr pilot in most cases is simply 500 hrs of compounded BS habits, that have been bedded in due to poor initial instruction at a sausage factory flying school, a general lack of mentoring and an ego that doesn't match capability...
Also refer the first few pages of the Advice to Newbies thread - the stuff in there is still relevant and complementary to this discussion.
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Flying Bear,
That is the second time you have given me a detailed response that has helped me immensely. I really appreciate that and hope that my resume finds my way across your desk at some point!
Thanks to the others who have helped too - I just want to be as prepared as possible and it's quite easy to lose a bit of your theory when you're not studying it full-time any more.
That is the second time you have given me a detailed response that has helped me immensely. I really appreciate that and hope that my resume finds my way across your desk at some point!
Thanks to the others who have helped too - I just want to be as prepared as possible and it's quite easy to lose a bit of your theory when you're not studying it full-time any more.
Don't BS, and be yourself. For better or worse, that will go a long way to an employee being able to assess you for the job.
If you dont know the answer to law questions, know where to look. PDF docs on an Ipad are an easy way to get them around. If you don't know the answer to other questions, don't BS. Do your homework, you wont have to make stuff up
Have questions ready based on what you have learnt about the operation.
Apart from showing professionalism, interest and intent, it will show you have done your homework.
Know at least the basics of aerodynamics/Lift formula/pilots lift formula/Critical angle.
Know the rules pertaining to your current work.
If you know the aircraft the company flies, get your hand on a POH if possible and have a read. (prob wont be asked in early interviews, but you never know)
Dress sharp.
Why do you want the job
Where do you see yourself in 12 months/ 2 years / 5 years?
Do you need to give notice?
Are you flexible with working hours (you'd wanna be!)
PNR/CP
Do you have accom lined up/how long have you been in town (Operators up north/outback etc might wanna know you can deal with the difference outback living can deliver?
If its not specifically listed as "the award" or the pay is not clearly stated, make sure you ask about the conditions (all of which are available from the AFAP website.
Good Luck
If you dont know the answer to law questions, know where to look. PDF docs on an Ipad are an easy way to get them around. If you don't know the answer to other questions, don't BS. Do your homework, you wont have to make stuff up
Have questions ready based on what you have learnt about the operation.
Apart from showing professionalism, interest and intent, it will show you have done your homework.
Know at least the basics of aerodynamics/Lift formula/pilots lift formula/Critical angle.
Know the rules pertaining to your current work.
If you know the aircraft the company flies, get your hand on a POH if possible and have a read. (prob wont be asked in early interviews, but you never know)
Dress sharp.
Why do you want the job
Where do you see yourself in 12 months/ 2 years / 5 years?
Do you need to give notice?
Are you flexible with working hours (you'd wanna be!)
PNR/CP
Do you have accom lined up/how long have you been in town (Operators up north/outback etc might wanna know you can deal with the difference outback living can deliver?
If its not specifically listed as "the award" or the pay is not clearly stated, make sure you ask about the conditions (all of which are available from the AFAP website.
Good Luck
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GA PILOT INTERVIEWS?
Capt Fathom:
Exactly.....
ruddegar:
You don't get it....do you?!?!? 
Let's see if I understand you "ruddegar"?
Is it...."I'll sit back on my
in my suburban arm chair and tap out a question so as to get an answer out of some other hard working, "paid their dues" pilot cause I am far too lazy or too cheap to go out and drive about the country "pressing the flesh" - asking your own questions from operators and LISTENING to their answers/advice. 
Even if you do not get a job....what have you gained? A whole lot of information about GA in Australia and what it wants from an applicant for a job.
and....you'll be remembered when applying for a future job vacancy.
Shyte, there is even an operator in the "outback" that publishes, on its web site, the do's and don't's [is that correct grammer?] and what to prepare for with regards attending their interview.
You're a pilot right. You need to know pilot stuff! It's not that hard!
Or... Maybe it is!
Or... Maybe it is!
ruddegar:
I'm not really sure what that adds to the discussion or why it's necessary?
Let's see if I understand you "ruddegar"?
Is it...."I'll sit back on my
in my suburban arm chair and tap out a question so as to get an answer out of some other hard working, "paid their dues" pilot cause I am far too lazy or too cheap to go out and drive about the country "pressing the flesh" - asking your own questions from operators and LISTENING to their answers/advice. Even if you do not get a job....what have you gained? A whole lot of information about GA in Australia and what it wants from an applicant for a job.
and....you'll be remembered when applying for a future job vacancy.
Shyte, there is even an operator in the "outback" that publishes, on its web site, the do's and don't's [is that correct grammer?] and what to prepare for with regards attending their interview.
Last edited by FO Cokebottle; 7th Aug 2015 at 03:20. Reason: spelling/grammer
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Capt Fathom:
Exactly.....
ruddegar:
You don't get it....do you?!?!?
Let's see if I understand you "ruddegar"?
Is it...."I'll sit back on my in my suburban arm chair and tap out a question so as to get an answer out of some other hard working, "paid their dues" pilot cause I am far too lazy or too cheap to go out and drive about the country "pressing the flesh" - asking your own questions from operators and LISTENING to their answers/advice.
Even if you do not get a job....what have you gained? A whole lot of information about GA in Australia and what it wants from an applicant for a job.
and....you'll be remembered when applying for a future job vacancy.
Shyte, there is even an operator in the "outback" that publishes, on its web site, the do's and don't's [is that correct grammer?] and what to prepare for with regards attending their interview.
Exactly.....
ruddegar:
You don't get it....do you?!?!?
Let's see if I understand you "ruddegar"?
Is it...."I'll sit back on my
in my suburban arm chair and tap out a question so as to get an answer out of some other hard working, "paid their dues" pilot cause I am far too lazy or too cheap to go out and drive about the country "pressing the flesh" - asking your own questions from operators and LISTENING to their answers/advice. Even if you do not get a job....what have you gained? A whole lot of information about GA in Australia and what it wants from an applicant for a job.
and....you'll be remembered when applying for a future job vacancy.
Shyte, there is even an operator in the "outback" that publishes, on its web site, the do's and don't's [is that correct grammer?] and what to prepare for with regards attending their interview.
sugarbottle
" Shyte, there is even an operator in the "outback" that publishes, on its web site, the do's and don't's [is that correct grammer?] and what to prepare for with regards attending their interview "
Shyte, are they so desperate for staff that they provide the answers
" Shyte, there is even an operator in the "outback" that publishes, on its web site, the do's and don't's [is that correct grammer?] and what to prepare for with regards attending their interview "
Shyte, are they so desperate for staff that they provide the answers
Last edited by megle2; 7th Aug 2015 at 04:58. Reason: Grammar
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LOL.......
megle2.
......maybe so.
But from their preamble, they are sick of wasting their time interviewing ill-prepared job seekers (including reviewing poor CV presentation from the "email" stalwarts). So logical extension - they have standards......heavens forbid....
Sugarbottle........I like it
......maybe so.
But from their preamble, they are sick of wasting their time interviewing ill-prepared job seekers (including reviewing poor CV presentation from the "email" stalwarts). So logical extension - they have standards......heavens forbid....
Sugarbottle........I like it
c0ckbottle give the guy the break, are you the thread gestapo? You can't go out and get interviewed at every bloody GA company in Australia can you?
I've been out working GA all over Oz, done my fair share of GA interviews, and i'm still more than happy to read a thread like this to pick up possible pointers or more information to add to the bag of kit, specially if CP's are posting what they look for. If you don't want to add something useful to the discussion or learn something, bugger off.
I've been out working GA all over Oz, done my fair share of GA interviews, and i'm still more than happy to read a thread like this to pick up possible pointers or more information to add to the bag of kit, specially if CP's are posting what they look for. If you don't want to add something useful to the discussion or learn something, bugger off.
Ruddegar,
Good on you for being proactive, getting stuck into some research before the trip. Good use of the time.
Cokebottle you are acting like a massive C U Next Tuesday mate, leave the kid alone. He sounds like a good egg who is doing his best to prepare for his trip up north... Why discourage obvious keenness?
GA need more guys with this attitude.
Good on you for being proactive, getting stuck into some research before the trip. Good use of the time.
Cokebottle you are acting like a massive C U Next Tuesday mate, leave the kid alone. He sounds like a good egg who is doing his best to prepare for his trip up north... Why discourage obvious keenness?
GA need more guys with this attitude.
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C U Next Tuesday or may be Thursday
et. al.
Not really.
But I guess if today's norm is rushing out and buying (up front) a full time "integrated" Commercial Pilots License with multi-engine Instrument "permissions" before one knows what they will do with said qualification and how to achieve a placement with same is normal, then, that really means something.
Notwithstanding, said individual's GA experience only revolves around said sausage factory.
Yeah, I am not PC speak, hug each other and sing Kumbyah together type of guy. It really does not work that way in aviation.
In reality, your course mates ot the pprune guy, who you spent hours helping, will stab you in the back for a job and will not look back.
Suggest everyone harden the up and take a reality check.
Not really.
But I guess if today's norm is rushing out and buying (up front) a full time "integrated" Commercial Pilots License with multi-engine Instrument "permissions" before one knows what they will do with said qualification and how to achieve a placement with same is normal, then, that really means something.
Notwithstanding, said individual's GA experience only revolves around said sausage factory.
Yeah, I am not PC speak, hug each other and sing Kumbyah together type of guy. It really does not work that way in aviation.
In reality, your course mates ot the pprune guy, who you spent hours helping, will stab you in the back for a job and will not look back.
Suggest everyone harden the
up and take a reality check.
Last edited by FO Cokebottle; 7th Aug 2015 at 10:44. Reason: second thoughts but decided against them for sensibilities sake
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Thanks I appreciate the help. I'm not going to get in to a thing of where I've trained and what I've done in the mean time because I really don't need to justify myself to someone anonymous on the internet. Like I said, I am planning on doing the trip as soon as circumstances permit but I don't want to go into that situation half-baked, it's a waste of my time and money if I do and it's a waste of the operators time if I go in underprepared and that kind of thing is remembered when the next opportunity arises. That's all I'm after is a bit of advice as to what to focus on to give myself the best chance at a gig and to make the most of my time until then.
Strike me Pink!
Have said it before on this forum, what is wrong with some people. I'm looking at you Cockbottle!
A bloke comes on looking for a little bit of guidance when new to an unforgiving industry and you are straight down his throat! How on earth do you know anything about him/her? For all you know he might be working his ring out in some other unrelated job to get enough cash behind him to pay his way up north or wherever the jobs are.
I would hire ruddergar before you any day, based on attitude alone.
Entry level and indeed most charter jobs are all about relating to people. Obviously one needs to know a bit about flying and the rules and how to operate their machine but if you cannot get along with people and be a good ambassador for the company you will not get very far.
Have said it before on this forum, what is wrong with some people. I'm looking at you Cockbottle!
A bloke comes on looking for a little bit of guidance when new to an unforgiving industry and you are straight down his throat! How on earth do you know anything about him/her? For all you know he might be working his ring out in some other unrelated job to get enough cash behind him to pay his way up north or wherever the jobs are.
I would hire ruddergar before you any day, based on attitude alone.
Entry level and indeed most charter jobs are all about relating to people. Obviously one needs to know a bit about flying and the rules and how to operate their machine but if you cannot get along with people and be a good ambassador for the company you will not get very far.
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in my understanding this is a forum, where questions are encouraged, providing there has at least been an attempt to confirm that the topic has not been done to death previously. Bitter little keyboard warriors like to harass people for no apparent reason to get their jollies off (hell, this thread is in "the pacific: ga aviation & QUESTIONS!!" - which obviously means you are not allowed to ask anything. statements only) FO cockbottle (as previously very well put) can go back to his "bronies" mates, we dont need his type on PPRUNE
from talking to CPs around the place, a lot of it is actually showing up (lots of people who CV dump never actually arrive) - polite, well presented etc.. with a good grasp on general law, and knowledge of currency, duty, loading reqs(load on control seat, infant/child seat occupancy, exit requirements) - basically operational requirements, stuff that actually crops up day to day
It doesn't hurt to know a little bit about the company - IE who is CP, what ops they do (if its lots of NVFR - best have ur NVFR law up to scratch etc) where they have bases, what aircraft they operate
also, be prepared for a check ride - I have spoken to many people who showed up for a chat with various companies, and CP has offered them a chance to 'walk the walk' - so make sure basic checklists, and at least a rough idea of speeds etc for the lower end of the scale company aircraft - they wont expect perfect (unless you have exp/endo) but it makes things a lot easier - and only takes a little time the night before if you are prepared.
hahaha- SO Cokebottle - yes we all sing Kumbyah in a circle around the tower, while helping our mates into our jobs... its just circle jerks everywhere........ I feel sorry for you that you are such an angry person, but helping out, and keeping your own cards close to your chest is completely different, than post bashing on PPRUNE (are you genuinely worried we are all coming for your job?)
from talking to CPs around the place, a lot of it is actually showing up (lots of people who CV dump never actually arrive) - polite, well presented etc.. with a good grasp on general law, and knowledge of currency, duty, loading reqs(load on control seat, infant/child seat occupancy, exit requirements) - basically operational requirements, stuff that actually crops up day to day
It doesn't hurt to know a little bit about the company - IE who is CP, what ops they do (if its lots of NVFR - best have ur NVFR law up to scratch etc) where they have bases, what aircraft they operate
also, be prepared for a check ride - I have spoken to many people who showed up for a chat with various companies, and CP has offered them a chance to 'walk the walk' - so make sure basic checklists, and at least a rough idea of speeds etc for the lower end of the scale company aircraft - they wont expect perfect (unless you have exp/endo) but it makes things a lot easier - and only takes a little time the night before if you are prepared.
hahaha- SO Cokebottle - yes we all sing Kumbyah in a circle around the tower, while helping our mates into our jobs... its just circle jerks everywhere........ I feel sorry for you that you are such an angry person, but helping out, and keeping your own cards close to your chest is completely different, than post bashing on PPRUNE (are you genuinely worried we are all coming for your job?)
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Make your resume one page and have the important information up the top. I usually use a 2 column format.
When you do a check ride, forget about commercial pressures. Fly properly, safely and don't cut any corners. If you don't have a checklist then scan everything in the cockpit before you start up and make sure it's where you want it. If you don't know what something is, ask
When you do a check ride, forget about commercial pressures. Fly properly, safely and don't cut any corners. If you don't have a checklist then scan everything in the cockpit before you start up and make sure it's where you want it. If you don't know what something is, ask